Mohammed Shami Announces Retirement From Test Cricket
Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami announced his retirement from Test cricket on Friday, concluding a 13-year career in the red-ball format. The 36-year-old made the announcement through an Instagram post accompanied by a video, ending a Test journey that established him as one of India's most effective fast bowlers in international cricket.
Shami finished his Test career with 229 wickets from 64 matches at an average of 27.71. His final appearance for India in Test cricket was during the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia, which took place at The Oval.
Reflections on a Red-Ball Career
In his retirement statement, Shami reflected on his journey in the longest format of the game, writing that Test cricket was a very special part of his life rather than just a format. He expressed that he was making the decision to step away from Test cricket with a heavy heart and countless memories.
Shami acknowledged the support he received throughout his international career, extending thanks to his teammates, coaches, family, and supporters across India. He also expressed gratitude toward the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) for trusting his talent and offering him opportunities to represent the country.
He noted that while his last ball in Test cricket had been bowled, the pride of playing for India would always stay with him, concluding his statement with an expression of thanks to Test cricket.
Debut and Career Highlights
Shami made his Test debut on November 6, 2013, against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. He made an immediate impact in his inaugural match, taking a match haul of 9 wickets for 118 runs as India secured a victory by an innings and 51 runs.
Throughout his red-ball career, Shami registered six five-wicket hauls and became a key figure in India's bowling lineup across home and overseas conditions. A major career milestone occurred during the 2018-19 season, when he was part of the Indian side that recorded the country's first-ever Test series victory in Australia.
As a bowler, Shami became known for his ability to generate pace and movement off the pitch, as well as his skill with the older ball. He frequently utilized reverse swing to secure key breakthroughs and maintained a reputation for accuracy, hitting the seam hard and swinging the ball both ways.
Future in White-Ball Cricket
Although Shami has brought his Test career to a close, he is set to continue competing in white-ball cricket formats. He has been selected in Bengal's squad for the 2026-27 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which begins on November 14.
