Snubbed for too long, Shami bids farewell to the white jersey, to play white ball cricket

Mohammed Shami, after being ignored by the selectors for a long time despite some stellar performances in domestic cricket, has announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing an end to a career that saw him become one of India’s most dependable fast bowlers across conditions and on the biggest stages.

The 36-year-old shared the news through a post on social media, drawing the curtain on his journey in the longest format. “First of all, thanks to God (Allah), my family, friends and colleagues,” Shami said in an emotional video post on social media late on Friday night.

https://x.com/MdShami11/status/2118767839956123858?a=bkKF81oGoYjqQJjaXMo&s=20

“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 but one dream — to achieve something for my country.

“Since then, every wicket, every struggle, every injury, and every comeback has taught me something valuable.

Mohammed Shami made his Test debut at the Eden Gardens against West Indies ironically on the same day as his Test retirement, exactly 13 years ago. Pics: ICC/BCCI

“For me, Test cricket has been more than just a format; it has been an incredibly special part of my life.

“Today, with a heavy heart and countless beautiful memories, I have decided to retire from Test cricket.

“My heartfelt thanks to every teammate, coach, family member, and the millions of Indians who stood by me throughout this journey—those who kept their faith in me through both the good times and the difficult ones.

“I also extend my sincere gratitude to the BCCI and the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) for believing in my talent, providing me with opportunities to grow, and playing a pivotal role in my cricketing journey. Your support and trust will always remain special to me.

“Though the final Test ball I bowled on the field has been delivered, the pride of having played for India will always live on in my heart.

“Thank you, Test cricket,” Shami signed off.

Shami made his Test debut at the Eden Gardens against West Indies ironically on the same day as his Test retirement, exactly 13 years ago.

Shami had quickly established himself as a key part of India’s pace attack. His ability to deliver in challenging conditions made him particularly valuable away from home, with 145 wickets coming in 41 Tests, at an average of 30.33.

Known for his ability to generate seam movement and swing with both the new and old ball, Shami leaves behind a record of 229 wickets from 64 Tests, including six five-wicket hauls.

Shami excelled in South Africa

South Africa was among the places where Shami produced some of his most memorable performances. During India’s 2018 tour, he took 5/28 in the second innings of the Johannesburg Test to help secure a consolation victory. On the next tour, he claimed eight wickets in the first Test at Centurion as India registered another memorable win.

His final Test appearance came in the 2023 ICC World Test Championship Final against Australia. While injuries interrupted different phases of his career, his contributions with the ball remained an important part of India’s success.

In January 2025, he made his long-awaited comeback in the T20 format and was subsequently picked in the Champions Trophy squad as well. However, post the final against New Zealand, Shami hasn’t featured in any format for the national side, but has regularly been featuring in the IPL and in domestic cricket as well for Bengal.

In the ongoing domestic season, he has already played three Ranji Trophy games for Bengal and has also been named in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 squad. He took 37 wickets from seven matches in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, and has taken 14 wickets from four matches in the 2026-27 season.

Despite his recent stellar performances, the BCCI selectors’ continued snubbing of the pacer from the Test squad eventually led to the senior pacer’s retirement.