Mohammed Shami Retires From Test Cricket
Mohammed Shami retires from Test cricket, the Indian fast bowler announced on Friday, ending a 13-year red-ball career on the anniversary of his debut.
Shami, 36, made the announcement in a video posted on his official social media handles. He made his Test debut against West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 6, 2013, and chose the same date to bring the journey to a close. Geo Super reported that his last red-ball appearance came in the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval in June 2023.
“In this 13-year journey, this cap, this ball, made me Mohammed Shami. All the ups and downs, I did fall, I did get hurt, I did get injured. But I stood up again for this badge,” he said.
Mohammed Shami retires on debut anniversary
Shami played 64 Tests for India and took 229 wickets at an average of 27.71.
“So, I got this [his Test cap] on 6th November, and today is 6th November. So, let’s end this 13-year journey here today. I made my debut today, and today I am taking retirement,” he said in the video.
He thanked his coaches, trainers and physios for their support through the highs and lows of his career. He also thanked the fans, saying the name cricket supporters had made for him would always be remembered.
“Especially the fans. The name that the cricket fans have made, the boost they give to this name, it will always be remembered. The biggest thanks to all of you, to all the fans who had so much love for cricket and made this name reach here,” he said.
White-ball cricket continues
Shami has not played any form of international cricket since the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand. He made clear, however, that his retirement applies only to Test cricket.
“I am leaving this, but I will continue to play white-ball cricket, whether it is IPL or domestic. And if it is needed for fitness, I will continue to play days cricket, but with international Test cricket. So, this was the journey so far. I started it today, and I am ending it today,” he said.
The Indian Premier League remains his main stage. He will keep turning out in the IPL and in domestic cricket, where his pace and seam movement still trouble batters.
A 13-year Test career
Shami’s Test career began with a debut to remember. He took nine wickets against West Indies at Eden Gardens in November 2013, announcing himself as a bowler of rare skill with the old ball.
Over the next decade he became a central figure in India’s pace attack, forming a feared trio with Jasprit Bumrah and Ishant Sharma. His ability to move the ball both ways at pace made him a threat in all conditions, at home and abroad.
He played a key role in India’s rise as a Test side, including the run to the World Test Championship final in 2023. Injuries kept him out of the side at times, and he has not played Test cricket since that final at The Oval.
His retirement comes as India rebuilds its Test attack, and as Pakistan prepares for its own red-ball assignments. Pakistan’s squad has begun training for the home Test series against Sri Lanka, which starts on November 9. The West Indies-Bangladesh second Test is under way, while Zimbabwe piled up 504 against Afghanistan after a Brian Bennett century.
Pakistan’s young cricketers are also in action. Usman Khan’s unbeaten century powered Pakistan past UAE in the U19 Asia Cup opener, a reminder that the next generation is already coming through on both sides of the border.
Shami leaves Test cricket with his white-ball career intact and his place in India’s pace history secure.
When did Mohammed Shami retire from Test cricket?
Shami announced his retirement from Test cricket on Friday, November 6, 2026, in a video posted on his social media handles, exactly 13 years after his debut.
How many Tests did Shami play?
Shami played 64 Tests for India between his debut against West Indies at Eden Gardens in November 2013 and the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023.
What were Shami’s Test figures?
Shami took 229 Test wickets at an average of 27.71. His last Test appearance was the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval.
Will Shami keep playing cricket?
Yes. Shami said he will continue to play white-ball cricket, including the Indian Premier League and domestic tournaments. He has not played international cricket since the Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand.
