Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami announced his retirement from Test cricket on November 6, marking the completion of his 13-year career in the longest format of the game. His retirement coincides with the anniversary of his Test debut, also on November 6, 2013.
Shami represented India in 64 Test matches, taking 229 wickets in 122 innings at an average of 27.71 and maintaining an economy rate of 3.30. His best bowling figures in an innings were 6/56. Over his career, he recorded 12 four-wicket hauls and six five-wicket hauls.
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His last Test appearance was in the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 final against Australia, where he took 2-122 and 2-39 in a match India lost by 209 runs.
In a video message shared on Instagram, Shami expressed gratitude to his parents, family, friends, coaches, trainers, physiotherapists, colleagues and cricket fans for their support throughout his journey. Recalling his upbringing in a small village, he spoke about the struggles, injuries and challenges he overcame to represent India.
He said: “So, I have come to deliver this message to all of you. But before that, I want to thank a few people and express my gratitude. First and foremost in this journey, I want to thank the Almighty. God has given me so much, beyond my imagination—far more than I could have ever thought. After that, my parents, my family, my friends, and those colleagues who have contributed even a little bit to this journey of mine. It has been a very long journey of 13 years. Coming from a small village, I worked very hard and experienced many ups and downs.”
Holding his Test cap number 279 and a red leather ball, he reflected on the significance of November 6, saying: “And finally, on this day—November 6th—these two things came into my hands (a red leather ball and his Test cap). After facing many hardships, this Test cap number 279… today marks the completion of 13 years. In this 13-year journey, this cap and this ball made me Mohammed Shami. Through all the ups and downs, I stumbled, got hurt, and suffered injuries, but I stood back up every time for this badge.”
Shami made his Test debut against the West Indies in 2013, taking 4/71 and 5/47 to help India secure an innings and 51-run victory. He thanked all those involved in his career, especially the cricket fans, stating: “This will always be remembered. The biggest thanks go to all of you fans who showered so much love on cricket and brought my name to where it is today.”
On his retirement from Test cricket, Shami said he would continue to play white-ball cricket, including in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and domestic matches. He also stated he would participate in domestic cricket if necessary to maintain fitness.
He added: “So today, I conclude this 13-year journey right here. I made my debut on this very day, and on this day, I am taking retirement. I am leaving this behind [red-ball cricket], but I will definitely continue playing white-ball cricket, whether it is IPL or domestic matches. And if required for fitness, I will also continue playing domestic cricket. But as far as international Test cricket is concerned, the journey ends here. I started on this day, and today I am concluding it. So, love you all. Take care of yourselves. I hope a lot more talent emerges from here to serve the country. Take care, and Happy Diwali to all of you.”
In the caption to his Instagram post, Shami described wearing India’s Test jersey as a dream come true and called Test cricket a special part of his life. He said every wicket, struggle, injury and comeback taught him valuable lessons. He concluded the farewell with a heavy heart and numerous cherished memories.
He stated: “I am bidding farewell to the white jersey, but never to the memories associated with it. When I first wore India’s Test jersey, I had just one dream — to do something special for my country. Since then, every wicket, every struggle, every injury and every comeback has taught me something. Test cricket has never been just a format for me; it has been a very special part of my life. Today, with a heavy heart and countless beautiful memories, I have decided to retire from Test cricket.”
Shami also extended thanks to his teammates, coaches, family, fans, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) for their support throughout his career, stating: “My heartfelt thanks to every teammate, coach, my family and the millions of Indians who stood by me and continued to believe in me through both the good times and the difficult ones. A heartfelt thanks also to the BCCI and the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), who believed in my talent, gave me opportunities to move forward and played an important role in my cricketing journey. Your support and trust will always remain special to me.”
He concluded: “My final Test ball on the field may have already been bowled, but the pride of playing for India will forever remain alive in my heart. Thank you, Test Cricket.”
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