Indian cricket fans were left emotional after veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami announced his retirement from Test cricket on Friday, November 6. The pacer shared the news through a heartfelt social media post, bringing an end to his journey in the longest format after representing India for more than a decade.
The announcement also sparked discussions about Shami’s absence from the national Test setup over the last few years. While the fast bowler will continue playing white-ball cricket, his decision has led supporters to look back at his contributions to India’s red-ball success.
Mohammed Shami ends his 13-year Test career
Shami made his Test debut against the West Indies at Eden Gardens on November 6, 2013. Interestingly, he announced his retirement on the same date, exactly 13 years after making his first appearance in the format. He finished his Test career with 229 wickets from 64 matches at an average of 27.71, including six five-wicket hauls.
His last appearance in the longest format came during the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval. Despite dealing with several injury setbacks, Shami remained an important part of India’s pace attack for years and produced memorable performances in overseas conditions. In his retirement message, he thanked his teammates, coaches, family and supporters for standing by him throughout his journey.
Ravi Shastri disappointed with selectors over Shami’s retirement
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri expressed disappointment over Shami not receiving another opportunity in Test cricket. Speaking ahead of the second ODI between India and New Zealand, Shastri felt the veteran pacer still had 30 to 40 wickets left in him and deserved a chance during the previous 12 months.
Shastri also questioned the repeated concerns surrounding Shami’s fitness, pointing to his workload for Bengal in domestic cricket. He highlighted that the pacer had regularly bowled 15 to 20 overs in matches and argued that match fitness should carry more weight than gym-based assessments. Shami had also claimed 37 wickets in seven Ranji Trophy matches last season, but those performances did not earn him a return to the Indian Test side.
Also READ: Veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami retires from Test cricket
Here’s how fans reacted:
2️⃣2️⃣9️⃣ wickets in 6️⃣4️⃣ Tests 🔥
Mohammed Shami bids farewell to Test cricket 🏏#MohammedShami #TeamIndia @MdShami11 pic.twitter.com/UrLgMwacVX
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) November 7, 2026
Many congratulations on your wonderful red ball cricket career @MdShami11
Your late movement with that cherry will be missed.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) November 6, 2026
You will be Missed in Whites Buddy, congratulations on your amazing carrer.
See you soon in Blues @MdShami11 #TestCricket #Shami https://t.co/XUXGojnCu5— Munaf Patel (@munafpa99881129) November 6, 2026
“The red ball may no longer be in his hands, but the memories of his thunderbolts will forever remain in the hearts of cricket lovers. Some legends don’t say goodbye; they simply become history.”
This what it meant to me When I was leading the bengal team and having Shami in the… pic.twitter.com/yUu7hcxTlL— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) November 7, 2026
Just because it was inevitable doesn’t make it less poignant. Shami delivered a red ball like few others before him could, his romance with the seam of a cricket ball is a story in itself. When the game seemed headed nowhere, he would cajole the seam into nipping one back, or…
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 6, 2026
Kohli (Test Cap No. 269) and Mohammed Shami (Test Cap No. 279) have both bid farewell to red ball cricket. 💔
Another beautiful chapter of our childhood memories has come to an end with their retirement from Test cricket. 🥹 pic.twitter.com/c4uRc0ofB5
— HIMANI 🐥 (@himanii_68) November 7, 2026
Mohammed Shami bhai embodied the true tireless spirit and tenacity that helped India rise incredibly in Test cricket, particularly from 2014 onwards. His impeccable seam presentation will always be missed, but I’m sure he has lot to offer and mentor to the coming generation of… pic.twitter.com/HpteTkE6Og
— Priyank Panchal (@PKpanchal09) November 6, 2026
Mohammed Shami played 21 tests at home, and India didn’t lose any of those 21 tests. One of the 4 players to have played 20 or more tests at home, and never lose a single of them.
Those were some days. Wishing you luck for your white ball future, ahead Shami.
— Spandan Roy (@talksports45) November 6, 2026
Thank you Mohammed Shami for the brilliant Test career! Go well! 🙌🏼🙌🏼👏🏼👏🏼💙
— Neha_LFC_JR (@Lfc_NehaJ_Rawal) November 7, 2026
💔🇮🇳 A TEST CAREER TO REMEMBER!
64 Tests. 229 Wickets. 6 Five-Wicket Hauls. 🔥
Mohammed Shami leaves behind an incredible legacy in Test cricket.
THANK YOU FOR THE MEMORIES, CHAMP! 🥹❤️#MohammedShami #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/kLpUJgU7i3
— अजय शर्मा 🇮🇳 (@AjayShaRss) November 7, 2026
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