Mohammed Shami retires from Test cricket

Mohammed Shami has retired from Test cricket, ending a 13-year red-ball career in which he took 229 wickets in 64 matches for India. The 36-year-old announced the decision in a video posted on social media on Friday, November 6, the anniversary of his Test debut.

Shami made his debut against West Indies on November 6, 2013, and chose the same date to step away. He said the 13-year journey would end there, linking the first and last days of a career that began and finished on one calendar date.

He will not leave the game altogether. Shami confirmed he will keep playing white-ball cricket, in the Indian Premier League and at domestic level, and will remain available for multi-day matches if fitness requires it.

“I will continue to play white-ball cricket, whether it is IPL or domestic.”

The pacer, from Amroha in Uttar Pradesh, took five wickets in an innings five times in Tests. His best figures were six for 56 against Australia in Perth in December 2018, one of the finest spells of his career.

His last Test appearance came against Australia in the World Test Championship final in June 2023. Injuries and fitness setbacks kept him out of the side for long periods afterwards, and a return to the Test team grew increasingly unlikely.

Shami remains India’s leading wicket-taker in 50-over World Cups with 55 wickets. His last one-day international was against New Zealand last year, and his most recent Twenty20 international came against England in February 2025.

In the video, he looked back on a career of setbacks as much as success, saying he fell, was hurt and suffered injuries, but always rose to face the challenge again.

He thanked the Almighty and his family first, then his coaches, strength trainers, physiotherapists and support staff, saying even those who contributed a little deserved credit.

At domestic level, Shami has represented Bengal in the Ranji Trophy and played for East Zone. He currently turns out for Bengal and for Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL.