Mohammed Shami Retires from Test Cricket After 64 Matches and 229 Wickets

Key points

1. Mohammed Shami announced his retirement from Test cricket on November 6, 2026, through an emotional social media message.
2. Shami made his Test debut against West Indies at Eden Gardens on November 6, 2013, exactly 13 years before announcing his retirement.
3. He finished with 229 wickets in 64 Tests at an average of 27.71, including six five-wicket hauls.
4. Shami is India's sixth-highest Test wicket-taking fast bowler, according to the ICC.
5. His final Test appearance came in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval.
6. Shami said he would continue playing white-ball cricket, including domestic and IPL cricket.
7. The fast bowler thanked his teammates, coaches, family, fans, BCCI and Cricket Association of Bengal for their support.

India fast bowler Mohammed Shami has announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing the curtain down on a 13-year career in the longest format. The 36-year-old made the announcement through a social media message on Friday, November 6, 2026, finishing with 229 wickets from 64 Tests at an average of 27.71.

The date carried a special significance: Shami made his Test debut against the West Indies at Eden Gardens on November 6, 2013. Exactly 13 years later, he chose the same date to bid farewell to the format. He has confirmed that he will continue playing white-ball cricket, meaning the announcement does not mark the end of his playing career.

Shami’s emotional farewell to the Test format

In his message, Shami reflected on the journey that began when he first wore India's white jersey. He described Test cricket as a special part of his life and thanked the teammates, coaches, family members and millions of supporters who stood by him through successful periods, injuries and comebacks.

He also acknowledged the role of the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the Cricket Association of Bengal, thanking both organisations for believing in his talent and providing opportunities during his career. His message focused on the memories and experiences associated with representing India in the longest format.

Shami's announcement was specifically about Test cricket. He indicated that he intends to continue in white-ball formats, including domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League. He has also said he is prepared to play first-class cricket if required to maintain his fitness, while drawing a line under international Test appearances.

A 64-Test career and 229 wickets

Shami finishes with 229 wickets in 64 Tests at an average of 27.71, including six five-wicket hauls. The ICC lists him as India's sixth-most successful fast bowler in Test cricket. His record reflects a career built around pace, seam movement and the ability to make the ball reverse swing, including with an older ball.

His Test debut against West Indies in Kolkata immediately showcased his ability. Shami claimed a match haul of nine wickets for 118 runs, which remains his best match return in the format. He went on to become a regular part of India's pace attack through several demanding home and overseas campaigns.

The ICC noted that Shami took 131 wickets in 35 Tests across India, South Africa and the West Indies at an average below 25. His performances in South Africa were particularly significant. On India's 2018 tour, he took 5 for 28 in the second innings of the Johannesburg Test, helping India secure a victory. On the subsequent tour, he claimed eight wickets in the first Test at Centurion.

Final Test appearance came in 2023

Shami's last appearance in Test cricket came in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval. India lost that final, and injuries subsequently disrupted the fast bowler's efforts to return to the national Test side.

He had not played international cricket since the Champions Trophy final in March 2025, according to the ESPNcricinfo report. Although he continued to feature in domestic cricket, he was no longer part of India's immediate Test plans. His retirement now brings formal closure to a career that had already been on pause at international level for more than three years.

Shami's ability to deliver in different conditions made him a valuable member of India's attack. He could strike with the new ball, maintain pressure through long spells and use reverse swing as the ball aged. His six five-wicket hauls and 229 wickets stand as the statistical record of that contribution.

White-ball cricket remains on the agenda

Shami has made clear that he is not retiring from all forms of cricket. He intends to continue playing white-ball formats, leaving open the possibility of further appearances in one-day and T20 cricket, including the IPL and domestic competitions.

The distinction is important for Indian cricket supporters. Shami's Test career has ended, but his experience and bowling skills remain available in the shorter formats if he is selected and fit. His next chapter will therefore be shaped by his workload, fitness and opportunities in limited-overs cricket.

From his debut at Eden Gardens to his final Test at The Oval, Shami's 13-year journey included major overseas performances, difficult injury periods and repeated returns to the Indian side. He leaves Test cricket with 229 wickets and a place among India's most successful fast bowlers in the format, while keeping the door open to continue playing the white-ball game.