GUWAHATI: Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami announced his retirement from Test cricket on Friday, November 6, bringing an end to a 13-year career in which he established himself as one of the country's most successful pacers in the longest format.
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The 36-year-old made the announcement through an Instagram post accompanied by a video, reflecting on his journey in Test cricket and the memories associated with representing India in the white jersey.
“Safed jersey se vida le raha hoon, lekin usse judi yaadon se kabhi nahi… (I am saying goodbye to the white jersey, but never to the memories associated with it),” Shami wrote.
“Test cricket mere liye sirf ek format nahi, meri zindagi ka ek behad khaas hissa raha hai. Aaj bhaari dil aur anginat khoobsurat yaadon ke saath main Test cricket se retirement lene ka faisla kar raha hoon. (Test cricket was not just a format for me; it was a very special part of my life. Today, with a heavy heart and countless beautiful memories, I have decided to retire from Test cricket),” he added.
“Shukriya, Test Cricket. Aapka Shami”, the pacer added.
Shami made his Test debut against the West Indies at Eden Gardens on November 6, 2013, picking up nine wickets in the match. He went on to represent India in 64 Tests, claiming 229 wickets at an average of 27.71, including six five-wicket hauls.
His best bowling figures in an innings were 6/56, which came against Australia in Perth in 2018.
Shami last represented India in Test cricket during the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval.
Despite being out of the national Test setup, the Bengal pacer continued to feature in domestic cricket. He recently took 14 wickets in three matches in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season. Before that, he claimed seven wickets in three matches for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy.
Known for his upright seam position and ability to generate movement off different surfaces, Shami remained a key part of India's pace attack for nearly a decade. His retirement marks the end of a significant chapter in Indian fast bowling.
