Kolkata: India‘s experienced fast bowler Mohammed Shami has announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing an end to his 13-year journey in the longest format of the game. However, the 36-year-old pacer has made it clear that he is not retiring from cricket altogether and will continue playing white-ball cricket, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) and domestic competitions.
Shami announced his decision through an emotional video message on social media on Friday, November 6, 2026, coinciding with the 13th anniversary of his Test debut for India. He also indicated that he would consider playing first-class cricket whenever required to maintain his fitness.
The announcement marks the end of an important chapter in Indian cricket, with Shami having established himself as one of the country’s most dependable fast bowlers across different playing conditions.
Shami announces retirement in emotional video
In his retirement message, Shami reflected on his journey in Test cricket, remembering the challenges, injuries, achievements and comebacks that shaped his career.
He made his Test debut against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 6, 2013. Thirteen years later, he chose the same date to announce his retirement from the format.
Shami expressed gratitude to his teammates, coaches, family members, supporters, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).
He described Test cricket as a special part of his life and said every wicket, struggle, injury and comeback had taught him valuable lessons.
The fast bowler also acknowledged the support of millions of Indian cricket fans who stood by him throughout his career, including during difficult periods.
His announcement clarified that his decision was limited to international Test cricket and would not bring his professional playing career to an end.
Shami confirms IPL and domestic cricket plans
One of the important aspects of Shami’s announcement was his confirmation that he intends to continue playing white-ball cricket.
The pacer specifically mentioned the IPL and domestic competitions, indicating that he remains interested in extending his career in the shorter formats.
He also said he would be prepared to play first-class cricket if required for maintaining his fitness.
This means cricket supporters could continue seeing Shami in competitive action even though he will no longer represent India in Test matches.
His decision also leaves open the possibility of returning to India’s limited-overs teams, depending on his fitness, performances and the selectors’ requirements.
Shami has remained active in domestic cricket for Bengal and has continued working towards maintaining his bowling rhythm and physical condition.
He was also named in Bengal’s squad for the upcoming 2026-27 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which begins on November 14.
Shami finishes Test career with 229 wickets
Shami’s Test career statistics underline his contribution to Indian cricket.
He represented India in 64 Test matches, claiming 229 wickets at an average of 27.71. His record includes six five-wicket hauls, highlighting his ability to deliver match-changing performances.
His ability to generate movement off the pitch, bowl at considerable pace and produce reverse swing made him a significant part of India’s bowling attack.
Shami was particularly effective in overseas conditions, where his ability to extract seam movement troubled opposition batters.
He also played an important role in India’s historic Test series victory in Australia during the 2018-19 tour.
Among his memorable performances was a five-wicket haul against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2018, which helped India secure a victory in the third Test.
His consistency across different conditions established him as one of India’s most effective fast bowlers of his generation.
World Test Championship final was his last appearance
Shami’s final Test appearance for India came during the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval in London.
India lost the match by 209 runs, with Australia claiming the inaugural World Test Championship title.
Following that match, injuries and fitness-related interruptions affected Shami’s international career. He did not return to the Indian Test team despite continuing to play domestic cricket.
His absence from the national red-ball setup extended for more than three years before his retirement announcement.
Although he remained keen to represent India again, the lack of opportunities in the Test format eventually brought his journey to an end.
Domestic performances demonstrate his bowling ability
Despite his absence from international Test cricket, Shami continued to demonstrate his capabilities in domestic competitions.
Representing Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, he remained an important member of the bowling attack.
His performances during the ongoing domestic season showed that he could still contribute significantly with the ball.
He also continued to feature in discussions surrounding India’s limited-overs selections, particularly because of his experience and ability to deliver in major tournaments.
Shami last represented India internationally during the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which India won.
His retirement from Tests therefore does not necessarily mean the end of his international ambitions in white-ball cricket.
What Shami’s retirement means for Indian cricket
Shami’s decision marks the conclusion of a significant period in Indian Test cricket.
Alongside other leading fast bowlers, he helped strengthen India’s pace attack and contributed to the team’s success in challenging overseas conditions.
His ability to maintain pressure through long spells and deliver crucial breakthroughs made him an important option for successive Indian teams.
For younger fast bowlers, his career offers valuable lessons in discipline, persistence and the importance of recovering from injuries.
Although Shami will no longer be available for Test selection, his experience could remain valuable in the IPL and domestic competitions.
His immediate focus will be on continuing his white-ball career, maintaining fitness and making the most of the opportunities available in competitive cricket.
For Indian cricket supporters, the retirement announcement brings an emotional end to Shami’s Test journey, but his confirmation about continuing in other formats provides hope of seeing more performances from the experienced fast bowler.