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India fast bowler Mohammed Shami has retired from Test cricket with 229 wickets in 64 matches, but will continue playing white-ball cricket.
India fast bowler Mohammed Shami has announced his retirement from Test cricket, ending a 13-year career in the format. The 36-year-old made the announcement through an Instagram post on November 6, 2026.
Shami finished with 229 wickets from 64 Tests at an average of 27.71, including six five-wicket hauls. He is India's sixth-most successful pacer in the format, behind Kapil Dev (434), Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma (311 each), Javagal Srinath (236) and Jasprit Bumrah (234).
Of his 229 wickets, 131 came in 35 Tests played in South Africa, the West Indies and India, where he averaged under 25. He took 145 wickets in 41 away Tests at an average of 30.33, and 76 wickets at home at an average of 22.1.
Shami made his Test debut against the West Indies at Eden Gardens on November 6, 2013. During India's 2018 tour of South Africa, he took 5/28 in the second innings of the Johannesburg Test to help secure a consolation victory. On India's next tour of South Africa, he claimed eight wickets in the opening Test at Centurion.
His final Test appearance came in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia. Injuries subsequently disrupted his career, and he has been out of the Indian team since the 2025 Champions Trophy.
In his post, 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 said he will continue playing white-ball cricket, including domestic competitions and the Indian Premier League (IPL). "If I am fit, I will continue playing four-day cricket, but this is the end of my international Test career. My journey in this format ends here," he said. He is named in Bengal's squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which begins on November 14.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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