Premier Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing the curtain down on an illustrious 13-year red-ball international career comprising 229 wickets in 64 matches for India.
The 36-year-old speedster shared the emotional decision on social media on the anniversary of his Test debut against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in 2013, confirming he will remain active and fully available for white-ball cricket in One Day Internationals (ODIs), T20Is, domestic tournaments, and the Indian Premier League (IPL). Read about global football milestones in our coverage of Cristiano Ronaldo Retires from International Football.
01. Mohammed Shami: Career Test Bowling Statistics
| Career Parameter | Official Match Metric |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 64 Tests (122 Innings) |
| Total Wickets | 229 Wickets |
| Bowling Average | 27.71 |
| Economy Rate | 3.30 |
| Strike Rate | 50.2 |
| Five-Wicket Hauls (5w) | 6 Times |
| Ten-Wicket Match Hauls (10w) | 0 (Best Match Figures: 9/118) |
| Best Bowling in an Innings (BBI) | 6/56 (vs South Africa, Visakhapatnam, 2019) |
| Debut Match | 6 November 2013 vs West Indies (Kolkata) — 9 wickets in match |
02. A Defining Pillar of India’s Pace Revolution
Shami leaves Test cricket as one of India’s most lethal pacers, renowned for his upright seam position, reverse-swing mastery, and second-innings strike capability:
- Overcoming Injury & Resilience: Over a 13-year red-ball journey, Shami endured multiple surgeries and rigorous rehabilitation spells, consistently returning to spearhead India’s overseas pace attack across England, Australia, and South Africa.
- Overseas Success: A linchpin of India’s pace quartet alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, Shami was instrumental in historic series triumphs in Australia (Border-Gavaskar Trophy) and notable Test wins in England and South Africa.
- Domestic & White-Ball Future: Shami confirmed his continued availability for Bengal in domestic cricket, beginning with the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, as well as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL and Team India’s ODI setup.
03. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When did Mohammed Shami announce his retirement from Test cricket?
Mohammed Shami announced his retirement from Test cricket on 6 November 2026, marking the 13th anniversary of his debut Test match in 2013.
How many wickets did Mohammed Shami take in Test cricket?
Shami took 229 wickets in 64 Test matches at an average of 27.71, with six five-wicket hauls to his name.
Will Mohammed Shami continue playing ODIs and IPL?
Yes. Shami confirmed that his retirement applies strictly to red-ball international cricket; he remains active in ODIs, domestic tournaments, and the IPL.
04. Related NewsY Coverage
Follow continental sports triumphs in our report on India Beats Japan 4-1 to Win Asian Champions Trophy, track international soccer legends in Cristiano Ronaldo’s Retirement from International Football, read national defense updates in Cabinet Agnipath Scheme Reforms, and review examination notices in CAT 2026 Admit Card Released by IIM Indore.
05. Sources
- BCCI & Mohammed Shami Official Social Channels: Retirement Announcement & Career Retrospective, 6 November 2026.
- Press Trust of India & The Times of India: Mohammed Shami Retires from Test Cricket After 13-Year Career with 229 Wickets, November 2026.
NewsY Sports Desk: Bowling averages, career milestones, and match statistics reflect verified international cricket records sanctioned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and BCCI.
