Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing the curtain down on an impressive career in the longest format. The 36-year-old pacer shared the news through an emotional video message on Instagram on Friday night, confirming that he would no longer represent India in the traditional white-ball format. Shami last represented India in Test cricket in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval.
Although the Bengal pacer kept working hard in domestic cricket and hoped for another chance, the selectors eventually moved in a different direction. The right-arm fast bowler leaves Test cricket with an outstanding record of 229 wickets in 64 matches. His recent domestic performances showed that he remained committed to the game, having claimed 14 wickets in three matches during the ongoing Ranji Trophy season. Before that, he picked up seven wickets in three appearances for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy.
Announcing his decision, Shami reflected on his journey in Indian Test cricket and explained what wearing the national jersey meant to him. He also thanked everyone who supported him throughout his career, including his teammates, coaches and family members. “I am bidding farewell to the white jersey, but never to the memories associated with it. When I wore India’s Test jersey for the first time, I had only one dream — to do something for my country. Since then, every wicket, every struggle, every injury, and every comeback has taught me something,” Shami wrote on Instagram.
WATCH – Auqib Nabi Claims Maiden ODI Wicket In Dream Opening Spell Against New Zealand
“Test cricket has not just been a format for me; it has been a deeply special part of my life. Today, with a heavy heart and countless beautiful memories, I am announcing my retirement from Test cricket. A heartfelt thank you to every teammate, coach, family member, and the millions of Indians who supported me on this journey, and who kept their faith in me through both good times and bad,” he added.
Widely regarded as one of India’s most effective fast bowlers of the modern era, Shami built his reputation through his exceptional seam presentation, accuracy and ability to generate movement on different surfaces.
He made a memorable start to his Test career against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in 2013, claiming nine wickets in his debut match. Over the next decade, he established himself as a key member of India’s pace attack, registering six five-wicket hauls. His best Test figures of 6/56 came against Australia in Perth in 2018. Apart from his bowling contributions, Shami also delivered valuable performances with the bat. His unbeaten 56 against England at Lord’s in 2021 helped India secure a famous victory.
Safed jersey se vida le raha hoon, lekin usse judi yaadon se kabhi nahi… 🇮🇳❤️
Jab pehli baar Bharat ki Test jersey pehni thi, tab sirf ek sapna tha — apne desh ke liye kuch kar dikhane ka..
Uske baad har wicket, har sangharsh, har chot aur har comeback ne mujhe kuch na kuch sikhaya.
Test cricket mere liye sirf ek format nahi, meri zindagi ka ek behad khaas hissa raha hai.
Aaj bhaari dil aur anginat khoobsurat yaadon ke saath main Test cricket se retirement lene ka faisla kar raha hoon.
Is safar mein mera saath dene wale har teammate, coach, family aur un karodon Bharatiyon ka dil se shukriya, jinhone achhe aur mushkil dono waqt mein mujh par bharosa banaye rakha..
BCCI aur Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) ka bhi dil se shukriya, jinhone mere talent par bharosa kiya, mujhe aage badhne ke mauke diye aur mere cricket ke safar mein ek aham bhoomika nibhayi. Aapka saath aur vishwas mere liye hamesha khaas rahega.
Maidan par meri aakhri Test ball bhale hi fenki ja chuki ho, lekin Bharat ke liye khelne ka garv hamesha mere dil mein zinda rahega.
Shukriya, Test Cricket. ❤️
Aapka Shami 🇮🇳
#Mdshami11 #Mdshami #TestCricket #Retirement
— 𝕸𝖔𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖒𝖆𝖉 𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖎 (@MdShami11) November 6, 2026
He became the fifth Indian fast bowler to cross the 200-wicket mark in Test cricket. In his retirement message, Shami also expressed gratitude to the BCCI and the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) for supporting his development and career.
“A sincere thank you as well to the BCCI and the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) for believing in my talent, giving me opportunities to grow, and playing a vital role in my cricketing journey. Your support and trust will always remain special to me. Even though my final Test ball has been bowled on the field, the pride of playing for India will always remain alive in my heart. Thank you, Test Cricket,” he added.
ALSO READ: Blair Tickner Sends Warning to India Ahead of Second ODI as New Zealand Look to Bounce Back
Shami’s last international appearance came during India’s victorious 2025 Champions Trophy campaign under Rohit Sharma. Despite continuing to represent Bengal in domestic competitions, including the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he has not returned to the national setup.
His fitness also became a talking point after former chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar questioned his availability for the West Indies Test series last year. Shami responded by pointing to his participation in the Ranji Trophy, arguing that he would not have played for Bengal if he were unfit. Although his Test career has ended, Shami remains available for selection in India’s white-ball teams. Interestingly, he was also named in Bengal’s 19-member squad for the upcoming 2026-27 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
