Sports
oi-Swastika Sruti
Test match fast bowler Mohammed Shami of India has retired from Test cricket via a touching Instagram message on Friday, November 6, 2026. The Indian pacer who is 35 years old said that he was saying goodbye to white jersey but will remember his Test experience forever.
Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami, aged 35, retired from Test cricket on November 6, 2026, via an Instagram message thanking supporters and confirming his continuation in other formats after taking 229 wickets in 64 matches.
Mohammed Shami posted a touching message in Hindi regarding his Test cricket journey and thanked all those who have helped him throughout his career. But his retirement from Test cricket does not mean retirement from other formats of cricket. He has not said anything regarding his retirement from ODI and T20 cricket.
Mohammed Shami’s Emotional Retirement Message
“Safed jersey se vida le raha hoon, lekin usse judi yaadon se kabhi nahi…” is how Shami started his Instagram post.
He remembered that being in the Indian Test jersey for the first time used to be a dream. Being the representative of his country, getting wickets and fighting challenges have been some of the most memorable moments in his career.
According to Shami, every wicket, tough phase, injury and comeback has helped him learn lessons in life. Test cricket was not just a format of the game to him but something special to his life.
With a heavy heart, Shami revealed his decision to bid adieu to Test cricket. He thanked his team-mates, coaches, family members for their support throughout his career. Millions of fans of Indian cricket too got special thanks from him as he played both good and bad phases of his career.
He appreciated the BCCI and Cricket Association of Bengal for believing in him and making his cricketing career.
Although it may have been his last delivery in Test cricket, pride of playing for India will stay with him forever, said Shami.
“Aapka Shami” are how Shami ended his message.
Mohammed Shami’s Test Cricket Record
Shami made his Test debut against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 6, 2013. He made an immediate impact, taking nine wickets in the match and helping India secure a victory.
During his Test career, Shami represented India in 64 matches between 2013 and 2023. He picked up 229 wickets at an average of 27.71, including six five-wicket hauls.
His best bowling figures in an innings were 6/56, while his best match figures were 9/118. His ability to generate pace, movement and reverse swing made him an important member of India’s fast-bowling attack, particularly in overseas conditions.
Shami’s final Test appearance came in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval in London in June 2023.
Will Mohammed Shami Continue Playing ODIs And T20Is?
Shami’s retirement announcement is specifically about Test cricket. He has not announced his retirement from ODIs, T20 Internationals or domestic cricket.
He has continued to feature in domestic cricket for Bengal, while his availability for India’s white-ball teams has remained a subject of discussion. He has not played a Test since the 2023 World Test Championship final and was also absent from India’s recent Test squad selections, including the tour of New Zealand.
