Mohammed Shami Retires from Test Cricket After 13-Year Journey

India fast bowler Mohammed Shami retires from Test cricket, exactly 13 years after making his debut in the format. The 36-year-old confirmed the decision on Friday, 6 November 2026, in an emotional video message on social media, closing a red-ball career of 64 Tests and 229 wickets.

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FAKTA

• Mohammed Shami announced his retirement from Test cricket on 6 November 2026, exactly 13 years after his debut on 6 November 2013.
• He made his Test debut against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, taking nine wickets for 118 runs in the match.
• Shami played 64 Tests for India and took 229 wickets at an average of 27.71, with six five-wicket hauls and a best of 6 for 56.
• His last Test was the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval in June 2023.
• He will continue to play white-ball cricket, including the Indian Premier League and domestic cricket.
• Shami, 36, said Test cricket was “a very important part of my life” and thanked his teammates, coaches, family and fans.

A Farewell on the Anniversary of His Debut

Shami chose the date with care. “I got this Test cap on 6th November, and today is 6th November. So, let’s end this 13-year journey here today. I made my debut today, and today I am taking retirement,” he said in his video message. The debut, against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, came during Sachin Tendulkar’s farewell series, and Shami announced himself at once, taking nine wickets for 118 runs across the match.

“Test cricket isn’t just another format for me; it is a very important part of my life. With a heavy heart and a lot of memories, I have decided to retire from Tests,” he said. “I am bidding farewell to the white jersey, but never to the memories associated with it.”

Mohammed Shami Retires as One of India’s Great Fast Bowlers

Across 64 Tests, Shami took 229 wickets at an average of 27.71, with six five-wicket hauls and best figures of 6 for 56. His ability to move the ball both ways at pace, and to reverse the old ball, made him one of India’s most effective fast bowlers, particularly overseas, where he played a central role in India’s Test successes in Australia, England and South Africa.

His career was interrupted by injuries, and his last Test appearance came in the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval in June 2023. Despite returning to domestic cricket with Bengal and pushing for a recall, a Test comeback never arrived, and he was not part of India’s squad for the ongoing tour of New Zealand.

White-Ball Cricket Continues

Shami made clear that he is not leaving the game altogether. “I am leaving this, but I will continue to play white-ball cricket, whether it is IPL or domestic. And if it is needed for fitness, I will continue to play days cricket,” he said. He thanked every teammate, coach and family member, and “the millions of Indians who kept faith in me through the good times and the tough times”.

Also in Cricket Today

Shami’s announcement came on a busy day for Indian cricket. India Under-19 began their Asia Cup campaign with a 10-wicket win over Nepal in Al Amerat on Friday, with Aaryavir Sehwag striking an unbeaten 70 off 52 balls as India chased 129 without losing a wicket. India next face Pakistan in the tournament on Sunday, 8 November.

Meanwhile, New Zealand opener Devon Conway has been ruled out of the remainder of the one-day international series against India after a concussion sustained in a collision with teammate Matt Henry during training. India won the rain-disrupted first ODI in Auckland on Wednesday by five wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, with the second ODI in Wellington on Saturday.

Conclusion

Shami retires as one of India’s finest fast bowlers, a craftsman whose seam and swing won matches in conditions where Indian pace bowlers were once expected only to support the spinners. His farewell, timed to the day his journey began, closes a 13-year chapter that began and ended on 6 November.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Mohammed Shami retire from Test cricket?

Shami announced the decision himself on 6 November 2026, on the 13th anniversary of his Test debut. He has not played a Test since June 2023 and was not selected for India’s tour of New Zealand. His farewell message focused on pride and gratitude rather than selection.

When did Shami make his Test debut?

He made his debut against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on 6 November 2013, during Sachin Tendulkar’s farewell series, taking nine wickets in the match.

How many wickets did Shami take in Tests?

He took 229 wickets in 64 Tests at an average of 27.71, with six five-wicket hauls and best figures of 6 for 56.

What was Shami’s last Test?

His last Test was the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval in June 2023.

Will Shami keep playing cricket?

Yes. He said he will continue to play white-ball cricket, including the Indian Premier League and domestic cricket, and first-class cricket if needed for fitness.

What made Shami special as a bowler?

His ability to move the ball both ways at pace and to reverse-swing the old ball made him one of India’s most effective fast bowlers, especially in overseas conditions.