NEW DELHI (Kashmir English): India’s veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami has announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing an end to a 13-year career in the longest format.
Shami played 64 Tests for India, taking 229 wickets at an average of 27.71.
His record includes six five-wicket hauls, making him India’s 12th-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket and sixth among the country’s fast bowlers.
The 36-year-old announced his decision in a social media post on Friday, November 6, saying he was stepping away from the format with many memories and gratitude for those who supported him throughout his career.
Shami made his Test debut against the West Indies at Eden Gardens on November 6, 2013.
He made an immediate impact, taking nine wickets for 118 runs in the match. That remained his best match performance in Test cricket.
Known for his ability to generate reverse swing, Shami became an important part of India’s bowling attack both at home and overseas.
Four of his six five-wicket hauls came in Australia and South Africa.
His career was also affected by several injury problems. After an impressive performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, he underwent ankle surgery and later faced knee-related issues, keeping him out of the national team for an extended period.
Shami last played Test cricket in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval, which India lost.
He returned to international cricket in January 2025 in the T20 format and was later included in India’s Champions Trophy squad.
However, he has not represented the national team in any format since the final against New Zealand.
Despite his absence from international cricket, Shami has continued playing in the Indian Premier League and domestic competitions for Bengal.
He has featured in three Ranji Trophy matches during the ongoing season and has also been named in Bengal’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad.
In his retirement message, Shami described Test cricket as a special part of his life and said he would always be proud of having represented India in the format.
