Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing the curtains down on an illustrious 13-year career in the longest format of the game. The 36-year-old made the announcement on November 6, 2026, exactly 13 years after making his Test debut against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Shami shared an emotional farewell video on social media, confirming that he would no longer represent India in Test cricket. However, the experienced fast bowler made it clear that he intends to continue playing white-ball cricket, keeping the door open for further appearances in ODIs and T20Is.
During his Test career, Shami represented India in 64 matches, claiming 229 wickets at an impressive average of 27.71. His best bowling figures in an innings were 6/56, while his best match figures stood at 9/118. He also registered six five-wicket hauls and 12 four-wicket hauls, establishing himself as one of India’s most dependable fast bowlers across conditions.
Shami’s ability to generate pace, reverse swing and extract movement from different surfaces made him a crucial member of India’s bowling attack. He played an important role in several memorable overseas campaigns, particularly in England, Australia and South Africa, where his ability to consistently trouble top-order batters stood out.
His last appearance in Test cricket came during the ICC World Test Championship 2023 final against Australia at The Oval in London. Although India lost the contest, Shami remained an important part of the team’s pace-bowling setup during that period.
With the announcement, Indian cricket bids farewell to a fast bowler who consistently delivered impactful performances in the traditional format. While his Test journey has come to an end, fans will continue to see Shami in India’s white-ball cricket, where he still has plenty to offer.
His retirement marks the end of an important chapter in Indian fast-bowling history, with 229 Test wickets standing as a testament to his contribution to the national team.
