Shami Ends Test Career With 229 Wickets

On the same date he first wore India’s Test cap, Mohammed Shami said goodbye to the format. The fast bowler announced his retirement on November 6, exactly 13 years after his debut. He ended his Test career with 64 matches and 229 wickets. “I am leaving the white jersey, but never the memories connected to it,” he wrote, calling Test cricket a special part of his life. ^1,7

Those 13 years began at Eden Gardens in Kolkata against the West Indies. Shami took nine wickets for 118 runs in his first match, helping India win by an innings and 51 runs. He finished with an average of 27.71 and six five-wicket hauls. He became India’s sixth-highest wicket-taking fast bowler in Tests. His last Test was the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia, which India lost. ^3,6,10

That final appearance came before a long stretch away from India’s team. Shami has not played for India since the 2025 Champions Trophy, and injuries disrupted his career. He continued to play for Bengal in domestic cricket. His retirement closes his international career in the longest format, but not his cricketing life. He said he would keep playing white-ball cricket and could play domestic four-day matches if fit. ^1,5

That choice leaves Shami’s next chapter in shorter formats, while his Test record is complete. His career included wickets in many conditions, with his seam and swing making him a key part of India’s pace attack. He thanked teammates, coaches, family, fans, the BCCI and the Cricket Association of Bengal. He can still represent Bengal in domestic cricket and play in white-ball competitions, including the IPL. ^7,11