Mohammed Shami Announces Retirement from Test Cricket After 13-Year Career
Mohammed Shami Bids Farewell to Test Cricket
File image of Indian fast bowler Mohammad Shami(Photo: @Vikas662005/X)
Mumbai, Nov 7: Mohammed Shami, the former Indian fast bowler, has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket. Over his 13-year international career, he played 64 Test matches for India.
Shami shared his retirement news through a video on his Instagram account, expressing that while he is stepping away from the longer format, he will cherish the memories associated with Test cricket.
At 36 years old and hailing from Amroha in Uttar Pradesh, Shami took 229 wickets in his Test career, achieving the remarkable feat of five wickets in an innings on five occasions. His best bowling performance was an impressive 6/56 against Australia in Perth in December 2018.
Recently, Shami has struggled with injuries, which kept him out of the Indian team across all formats. With limited prospects of returning to the Test squad, he has decided to retire.
In his heartfelt message, Shami stated, "Hello everyone, I have come to share a very important message with you. It relates to me—to my personal journey. I am here to share this message with all of you. Today, I want to express my gratitude and say 'thank you' to a few people. First and foremost, I want to thank the Almighty—the One above has given me so much, far more than I could have ever imagined or thought possible."
He expressed gratitude towards his family, friends, coaches, and support staff for their unwavering support throughout his Test career, acknowledging everyone who played a role in his journey.
Shami reflected on his challenging path, saying, "I have worked incredibly hard and experienced many ups and downs. And now, today—on the 9th of November—I have reached this milestone. After overcoming so many challenges, these thirteen years have finally been completed. Throughout this thirteen-year journey, all these experiences have shaped me into the person I am today. Yes, there were ups and downs; I certainly fell, I got hurt, and I sustained injuries—but I always stood back up to face the challenge again. It has been a truly remarkable thirteen-year journey."
He also thanked his coaches, strength trainers, physiotherapists, and his entire support team, saying, "And to those who have contributed even a little, I would like to thank them—thank you, so, so, so, so much!"
Shami made his Test debut on November 6, 2013, against the West Indies and last played for India in a Test match in June 2023 against Australia.
At the domestic level, he represented Bengal in the Ranji Trophy and played for the East Zone in zonal cricket.