End of a 13-year journey: Mohammed Shami calls time on Test career

Veteran India fast bowler Mohammed Shami on Friday announced his retirement from Test cricket, ending a 13-year career in the longest format during which he claimed 229 wickets in 64 matches, while indicating that he would continue playing white-ball cricket.

The 36-year-old pacer announced his decision through an emotional message on social media, reflecting on his journey in international cricket and thanking those who supported him throughout his career.

Shami described Test cricket as an important part of his life and said the experiences of representing India, including injuries, setbacks and comebacks, had shaped his career.

"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 said.

The fast bowler also expressed gratitude to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) for supporting his development and providing opportunities to represent the country.

"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," he added.

𝗔 𝟭𝟯-𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿

Shami made his Test debut against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata in November 2013, announcing his arrival with nine wickets in the match.

He went on to establish himself as a key member of India's pace attack, forming successful bowling partnerships with Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Siraj at different stages of his career.

Renowned for his upright seam position, movement off the pitch and ability to generate reverse swing, Shami became an important part of India's bowling unit in overseas conditions.

Across 64 Tests, he claimed 229 wickets at an average of 27.71, including six five-wicket hauls. His best innings figures were 6 for 56 against Australia.

Shami also contributed with the bat on occasion, scoring 750 Test runs, including two half-centuries.

His final Test appearance came against Australia in the World Test Championship final at The Oval in June 2023.

𝗜𝗻𝗷𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀

Shami's international career was repeatedly interrupted by injuries, particularly following India's 2023 ODI World Cup campaign, in which he emerged as the tournament's leading wicket-taker.

After undergoing treatment and rehabilitation, he returned to international cricket in early 2025 and was part of India's Champions Trophy-winning squad.

However, he subsequently struggled to regain a regular place in the national side despite continuing to represent Bengal in domestic cricket.

His omission from India's squads for the ongoing tour of New Zealand had renewed questions about his future in international cricket.

The selectors overlooked Shami for the two-match Test series beginning November 19, even though he had demonstrated his bowling fitness in domestic competition.

He had taken five wickets in Bengal's Ranji Trophy opener against Delhi in October, maintaining that he remained fit and available for international selection.

𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲-𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲

Although Shami has decided to retire from Test cricket, he has not announced his retirement from one-day internationals or Twenty20 cricket.

The decision leaves open the possibility of his return to India's white-ball setup, depending on his performances, fitness and future selection decisions.

Shami was instrumental in India's campaign at the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he claimed 24 wickets in seven matches, including a seven-wicket haul against New Zealand in the semifinal.

He was also a member of the Indian team that won the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

Only weeks before his Test retirement announcement, Shami had spoken about his determination to continue playing competitive cricket, insisting that his motivation remained intact.

His retirement marks the end of a significant chapter in India's Test bowling history, with the veteran pacer having played an important role in the team's emergence as a formidable pace-bowling side both at home and overseas.