Mohammed Shami retires from Test cricket, to continue in ODIs and T20s

India fast bowler Mohammed Shami has announced his retirement from Test cricket. The news has caused a stir across the cricket world. Shami had been away from Tests for a long time and has now formally bid goodbye to the format.

Shami played his last Test in 2023 against Australia, about three years ago. After that, injury and some other reasons kept him from playing Tests for India. Even after the 2025 Champions Trophy, he did not get a chance to play red-ball cricket for the Indian team. He has now announced his retirement from Test cricket himself.

Shami announced the decision in a social media post dated November 6, 2026. He wrote that he was retiring from Test cricket with a very heavy heart and many beautiful memories. In his words, when he first wore India's white jersey, he had one dream: to do something for the country. Every wicket, every struggle, every injury and every comeback on this journey taught him something in life.

Shami said in the post that Test cricket had been not just a format for him but a very special part of his life. He thanked all his teammates, coaches, family and crores of Indians for standing by him in good times and bad. He also expressed gratitude to the BCCI and the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), which trusted his talent, gave him opportunities to move forward and played an important role in his cricket journey.

In the post, Shami wrote, "My last Test ball on the field may have been bowled, but the pride of playing for India will always live in my heart." At the end of the post, he thanked Test cricket.

Shami played for India in the 2023 ICC World Cup. India lost the final of that tournament to Australia, but Shami drew everyone's attention with his bowling. Despite retiring from Tests, Shami has made clear that he will continue to play white-ball cricket, that is ODIs and T20s, along with domestic cricket. He had not been getting a place in the team for some time, or was not being given one. His injury or other reasons are cited for this.