Mohammed Shami announces retirement from Test cricket, will continue in white-ball formats
Mohammed Shami of India announced on Friday, via an Instagram post, that he is retiring from Test cricket after a 12-year career in which he took 229 wickets in 64 matches.
The 36-year-old pacer, who has been out of the national side since the 2025 Champions Trophy, said he will continue to play white-ball cricket. Shami made his Test debut against the West Indies at the Eden Gardens on November 6, 2013, and his final Test appearance came in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's.
Shami finished his Test career with 229 wickets at an average of 27.71 and recorded six five-wicket hauls. The original report noted his ability to generate seam and swing with both the new and old ball, a trait credited with making him an important part of India’s pace attack.
Across 35 Tests in South Africa, the West Indies and India, Shami claimed 131 wickets while averaging under 25 in those matches. His performances in South Africa included 5/28 in the second innings of the Johannesburg Test during India’s 2018 tour, a contribution described as helping India secure a consolation victory.
On India’s subsequent tour to South Africa, Shami took eight wickets in the opening Test at Centurion. Injuries disrupted his playing career after the 2023 World Test Championship final, though he remained a member of India’s white-ball setup.
In his Instagram announcement Shami wrote: "I am leaving the white jersey, but never the memories connected to it. When I first wore India's Test jersey, I had only a dream — to do something for my country. After that every wicket, every struggle, every injury and every comeback taught me something." He added: "Test cricket is not just a format for me, it is a very special part of my life. Today I am deciding to retire from Test cricket with a heavy heart and unlimited beautiful memories."
Shami confirmed in the same post that he will continue to play white-ball cricket, maintaining his availability for limited-overs formats despite stepping away from the Test arena.
