New Delhi .Indian Cricket Team's experienced fast bowler Mohammed Shami has decided to retire from Test Cricket. 36-year-old Shami informed about his decision by sharing an emotional message on social media on 6 November 2026. However, despite his retirement from Test cricket, his cricket career is not over. He has made it clear that he will remain active in limited overs cricket and will be seen on the field in future too.
Shami's next aim is to strengthen his place in ODI and T20 cricket. He will continue his efforts to make a comeback in the Indian team. Apart from this, his participation will also continue in the Indian Premier League and domestic cricket. Shami also hinted in his message that if needed, he may play domestic red ball cricket to maintain his fitness and match practice.
His last Test match was the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023. After this match played at the Oval ground in London, injuries made his return to Test cricket difficult. After this he continued to struggle with fitness related challenges. However, he continued trying to make a comeback in limited overs cricket. He has not represented the Indian team since the Champions Trophy 2025.
Mohammed Shami made his Test debut on 6 November 2013 against West Indies at the historic Eden Gardens ground in Kolkata. In his nearly decade long Test career, he played 64 matches and took 229 wickets at an average of 27.71. During this period, he achieved the feat of taking five or more wickets in an innings six times.
Shami has been an important member of the Indian fast bowling attack. His ability to swing with the new ball and achieve reverse swing with the old ball gave him a distinct identity. His performance even in foreign conditions was impressive. He took a total of 131 wickets in 35 Test matches played in South Africa, England and West Indies. His bowling average in these countries was less than 25.
Shami's performance in Test cricket against South Africa was particularly noteworthy. In the year 2018, he took five wickets for 28 runs in the second innings of the Test played in Johannesburg. His bowling played an important role in the victory of the Indian team. After this, in the next South Africa tour, he proved his ability by taking eight wickets in the first Test match played in Centurion.
While announcing his retirement, Shami described his memories and experiences related to Test cricket as special. He said that his dream while wearing the Indian Test jersey for the first time was to perform well for the country. The wickets, struggles, injuries and comeback experiences he got during his journey taught him a lot.
Shami also revealed that saying goodbye to the white jersey was not an easy decision for him. Test cricket has been an important part of his life and the memories associated with this format will always remain with him. It was with a heavy heart that he decided to end this journey.
After retirement from Test cricket, Shami will now focus on the next phase of his career. By being active in ODI, T20, IPL and domestic cricket, he will improve his fitness and performance and will also explore the possibility of returning to the Indian team.