Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing an end to his 13-year journey in the longest format. The 35-year-old finishes his Test career with 229 wickets in 64 matches at an average of 27.71, including six five-wicket hauls.
Shami announced his decision on November 6, 2026, through social media, exactly 13 years after making his Test debut against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Mohammed Shami’s Test Career and Stats
Shami made his Test debut on November 6, 2013, against the West Indies. He made an immediate impact, taking nine wickets in the match as India secured a victory.
Over the years, he became an important part of India’s fast-bowling attack. His ability to generate pace, seam movement, and reverse swing made him effective in both home and overseas conditions.
He finished his Test career with the following numbers:
| Test Career Statistics | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches | 64 |
| Wickets | 229 |
| Bowling Average | 27.71 |
| Five-wicket hauls | 6 |
| Ten-wicket match hauls | 0 |
| Test debut | November 6, 2013 |
| Last Test | June 2023 |
Mohammed Shami’s Best Bowling Performances in Test Cricket
Shami delivered several memorable performances during his international career, particularly in challenging overseas conditions.
Some of his best Test bowling performances include:
- 6/56 vs Australia, Perth (2018): Shami produced an impressive spell against Australia during India’s historic 2018-19 tour.
- 5/28 vs South Africa, Johannesburg (2018): He played an important role in India’s 63-run victory.
- 5/44 vs South Africa, Centurion (2021): Shami reached the milestone of 200 Test wickets during this match.
- 5/35 vs South Africa, Visakhapatnam (2019): He helped India secure a 203-run victory.
- 9/118 vs West Indies, Kolkata (2013): Shami made an impressive start to his Test career with nine wickets on debut.
Mohammed Shami’s Role in India’s Overseas Test Success
Shami was an important member of India’s pace attack during several memorable overseas campaigns.
His ability to bowl long spells, maintain consistent pace, and generate reverse swing made him particularly valuable in countries such as Australia, England, and South Africa.
He was also part of India’s fast-bowling group during the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, when India secured their first-ever Test series victory in Australia.
His performances helped strengthen India’s reputation as a competitive team in overseas Test cricket.
Injuries and Mohammed Shami’s Final Years in Test Cricket
Injuries affected the final phase of Shami’s Test career. After India’s 2023 ODI World Cup campaign, he underwent ankle surgery in February 2024 and spent an extended period away from international cricket.
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He returned to international cricket in January 2025 and later represented India in the Champions Trophy.
However, he did not return to the Test team. His final Test appearance came in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval.
Shami continued playing domestic cricket for Bengal, maintaining his involvement in competitive cricket.
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Mohammed Shami’s Domestic Cricket Performances Before Retirement
Despite being away from India’s Test setup, Shami continued to feature in domestic competitions.
During the 2026 Duleep Trophy, he took seven wickets in three matches for East Zone, helping the team win the competition.
He also made an impressive start to the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season, taking 14 wickets in his first three matches at an average of 14.00.
His performances included a five-wicket haul against Delhi and four wickets against Maharashtra.
Mohammed Shami’s Legacy in Indian Test Cricket
Mohammed Shami’s retirement marks the end of his journey in Test cricket after 13 years of representing India.
His 229 wickets in 64 matches reflect his contribution to India’s fast-bowling strength across different conditions. He was known for his ability to maintain pace, move the ball off the seam, and trouble batters with the older ball.
Although his Test career has ended, Shami remains an important name in Indian cricket history. His performances in overseas conditions and major international matches will remain a significant part of his legacy.
