Mohammed Shami retires from Test cricket
Mohammed Shami plays football during a training session (Source: Getty Images)
Published - 06 Nov 2026, 10:47 PM• Read time - 12 mins
Mohammed Shami has announced his retirement from Test cricket. The right-arm pace bowler made his Test debut against West Indies at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 6, 2013. He claimed 229 wickets in 64 Tests at an average of 27.71, including six five-fors. Shami made an immediate impact, claiming figures of 9/118 on his Test debut, helping India demolish West Indies by an innings and 51 runs.
Shami played a pivotal role in helping India clinch their maiden Test series win on Australian soil in 2018-19. He claimed 16 wickets in four games, averaging 26.18, including a five-wicket haul.
His last red-ball appearance for India was the ICC World Test Championship 2021-2023 final against Australia at the Oval in June 2023.
"I'm taking my leave from the white jersey, but never from the memories attached to it…
"When I first wore India's Test jersey, it was just a dream - to do something for my country..
"Every wicket after that, every struggle, every injury, and every comeback taught me something or the other. Test cricket hasn't been just a format for me; it's been an incredibly special part of my life.
"Today, with a heavy heart and countless beautiful memories, I'm deciding to retire from Test cricket. My heartfelt thanks to every teammate, coach, family member, and those millions of Indians who stood by me, keeping their faith in me through the good times and the tough ones..
"Heartfelt thanks to the BCCI and Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) as well, who believed in my talent, gave me opportunities to move forward, and played a key role in my cricketing journey. Your support and trust will always remain special to me.
"Even though my last Test ball on the field has already been bowled, the pride of playing for India will forever stay alive in my heart. Thank you, Test Cricket. Yours, Shami."
Shami is targeting an India comeback in the white-ball setup. He continues to push his case with performances in the IPL and the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Most Test wickets for India
| S. No. | Player | Mat | Inns | Wkts | BBI | Ave | SR | 4W | 5W | 10W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anil Kumble | 132 | 236 | 619 | 10/74 | 29.65 | 65.99 | 31 | 35 | 8 |
| 2 | Ravichandran Ashwin | 106 | 200 | 537 | 7/59 | 24.00 | 50.73 | 25 | 37 | 8 |
| 3 | Kapil Dev | 131 | 227 | 434 | 9/83 | 29.64 | 63.91 | 17 | 23 | 2 |
| 4 | Harbhajan Singh | 103 | 190 | 417 | 8/84 | 32.46 | 68.53 | 16 | 25 | 5 |
| 5 | Ravindra Jadeja | 91 | 171 | 356 | 7/42 | 25.30 | 58.58 | 17 | 15 | 3 |
| 6 | Ishant Sharma | 105 | 188 | 311 | 7/74 | 32.40 | 61.60 | 10 | 11 | 1 |
| 7 | Zaheer Khan | 92 | 165 | 311 | 7/87 | 32.94 | 60.40 | 15 | 11 | 1 |
| 8 | Bishan Singh Bedi | 67 | 118 | 266 | 7/98 | 28.71 | 80.31 | 13 | 14 | 1 |
| 9 | Bhagwat Chandrasekhar | 58 | 97 | 242 | 8/79 | 29.74 | 65.96 | 12 | 16 | 2 |
| 10 | Javagal Srinath | 67 | 121 | 236 | 8/86 | 30.49 | 64.00 | 8 | 10 | 1 |
| 11 | Jasprit Bumrah | 52 | 99 | 234 | 6/27 | 19.79 | 42.86 | 7 | 16 | 0 |
| 12 | Mohammed Shami | 64 | 122 | 229 | 6/56 | 27.71 | 50.28 | 12 | 6 | 0 |