Mohammed Shami bids farewell to Tests on the anniversary of his debut, ending a career of 229 wickets in 64 matches

Star Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has not had a chance in the national team since the 2025 Champions Trophy, and he last played in the Test format in 2023. For a bowler whose ability to bowl long spells in the shorter formats has long been uncertain, playing Tests was an even harder ask. The overlooked cricketer has now announced his retirement from the Test format.

The 36-year-old star made the announcement in a post on his Instagram account.

He said goodbye to Test cricket on exactly the same date, 6 November, on which he made his debut exactly 13 years ago, in 2013.

In his debut match against the West Indies at Eden Gardens, Shami produced the best spell of his career, taking 9 wickets for 118 runs.

Shami is stopping after 64 Tests in his international career, in which he took 229 wickets. Overall, he is India's 12th-highest wicket-taker in the format and the sixth-highest among pacers.

Shami, who took five wickets in an innings six times, last played in whites in the 2023 World Test Championship final.

Announcing his Test retirement, Shami said, "In this 13-year journey, this cap and this ball made me 'Mohammed Shami'."

He said, "I have gone through many ups and downs, fallen, been hurt and injured. But for the honour of this badge, I stood up again. All in all, this 13-year journey was wonderful."

Shami said he wants to thank everyone who contributed even the smallest part to his journey — his coaches, trainers and physios.

Acknowledging the fans' role in taking him this far, he said, "Especially thanks to the fans. The identity the cricket supporters gave me and the encouragement they provided will stay with me forever."

He added, "I received this cap on 6 November, and today, on 6 November, I am ending this 13-year journey here. On the very day I debuted, I am retiring."

Although he is leaving Tests, Shami confirmed he will continue playing the shorter formats. He said, "I am leaving Tests, but I will keep playing white-ball cricket, whether it is the IPL or domestic cricket."

He added that if his fitness holds up, he may also continue playing the longer format of cricket, but not international Test cricket.