Mohammed Shami has announced his retirement from Test cricket on Friday (November 6), exactly 13 years after the day of his international Test debut. The India pacer made a heartfelt post on social media to announce his decision.
The India pacer has been amongst wickets in domestic cricket but has been repeatedly ignored by the selectors for an India comeback. Although Shami has been steadfast in his hope for a national team comeback, the Bengal pacer has now called it quits in the red-ball format.
He has played three matches for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy in the ongoing season, and has picked up 14 wickets. He is also part of the Bengal squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Mohammed Shami bids adieu to Test Cricket
Mohammed Shami wrote a heartfelt message on X as he announced his retirement.
"I'm leaving behind the white jersey, but never the memories tied to it. When I first wore India's Test jersey, I had just one dream - to do something for my country.. Since then, every wicket, every struggle, every injury and every comeback has taught me something. Test cricket has been more than just a format for me; it has been an incredibly special part of my life. Today, with a heavy heart and countless beautiful memories, I am deciding to retire from Test cricket," Shami wrote on X.
"My heartfelt thanks to every teammate, coach, family member and those millions of Indians who stood by me on this journey and kept their faith in me through both good times and difficult ones. My heartfelt thanks also to the BCCI and the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), who believed in my talent, gave me opportunities to grow and played an important role in my cricketing journey. Your support and trust will always be special to me," he added.
"Even though my last Test ball on the field may have been bowled, the pride of playing for India will always live on in my heart. Thank you, Test Cricket," the message concluded.
Safed jersey se vida le raha hoon, lekin usse judi yaadon se kabhi nahi… 🇮🇳❤️Jab pehli baar Bharat ki Test jersey pehni thi, tab sirf ek sapna tha — apne desh ke liye kuch kar dikhane ka..Uske baad har wicket, har sangharsh, har chot aur har comeback ne mujhe kuch na kuch sikhaya.Test cricket mere liye sirf ek format nahi, meri zindagi ka ek behad khaas hissa raha hai.Aaj bhaari dil aur anginat khoobsurat yaadon ke saath main Test cricket se retirement lene ka faisla kar raha hoon.Is safar mein mera saath dene wale har teammate, coach, family aur un karodon Bharatiyon ka dil se shukriya, jinhone achhe aur mushkil dono waqt mein mujh par bharosa banaye rakha..BCCI aur Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) ka bhi dil se shukriya, jinhone mere talent par bharosa kiya, mujhe aage badhne ke mauke diye aur mere cricket ke safar mein ek aham bhoomika nibhayi. Aapka saath aur vishwas mere liye hamesha khaas rahega.Maidan par meri aakhri Test ball bhale hi fenki ja chuki ho, lekin Bharat ke liye khelne ka garv hamesha mere dil mein zinda rahega.Shukriya, Test Cricket. ❤️Aapka Shami 🇮🇳#Mdshami11 #Mdshami #TestCricket #Retirement
— 𝕸𝖔𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖒𝖆𝖉 𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖎 (@MdShami11) November 6, 2026
Mohammed Shami Test Career
Mohammed Shami made his Test debut against West Indies at Eden Gardens in November 2013 and quickly established himself as one of India's premier fast bowlers.
Known for his seam movement, reverse swing and ability to deliver in challenging conditions, Shami claimed 229 wickets in 64 Tests at an average of 27.71. He registered six five-wicket hauls, with best figures of 6/56, before his last Test appearance in June 2023.
