Veteran Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has retired from Test cricket. The 35-year-old has been one of India's most consistent fast bowling options over the last decade and was instrumental in delivering some memorable wins. He has always been known for creating pace, getting movement out of the pitch and delivering some good reverse swing.

Shami took to social media late on Friday evening to announce his decision. His message was very emotional as he thanked his teammates, coaches, family members and fans for always encouraging him. This announcement comes exactly 13 years after he played his first Test match against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Mohammed Shami reflects on his Test career with emotional retirement message

“Today, with a heavy heart and countless beautiful memories, I am taking the decision to retire from Test cricket,” Shami wrote on social media.

He thanked all those who have supported him through his career, including his teammates, coaching staff, family members and the millions of Indian cricket fans.

Shami ends his Test career with 229 wickets in 64 games, averaging an impressive 27.71. The pacer has six five-wicket hauls to his name and his last game for the format was the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval, which ended in defeat.

Shami made an immediate impact on the international stage in his first Test match on November 6, 2013. Playing in front of the home crowd at Eden Gardens, the Bengal pacer took a huge 9 wickets for 118 runs. This remains the best match figures of his 64 Tests.

Shami has become one of the most effective fast bowlers for India and is famed for his reverse-swinging prowess. Despite being an elite performer in subcontinental conditions, he has also proven to be an integral part of India's pace attack on foreign soil.

His ability to get consistent swing made him a threat in tough conditions. Shami has four of his six five-wicket hauls in Australia and South Africa.

Despite multiple injury problems throughout his career, Shami has always fought his way back into the national setup and delivered key performances.

Injury problems affect Mohammed Shami's final years

Injuries have heavily affected Mohammed Shami's career in recent years. After a superb ODI World Cup campaign on home soil in 2023, one of the standout performers in the tournament, Shami had ankle surgery and then faced injury problems with his knees.

This meant he was out of the national set-up for a long period of time. However, he did return to international cricket in January 2025. He got selected for India's Champions Trophy squad.

However, since the final of the Champions Trophy against New Zealand, Shami has not played for India in an international match. However, he has still been playing in the domestic circuit for Bengal.

Shami has already played three Ranji Trophy games so far this season and has also been named in Bengal's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad.

Shami ends his Test career as India's 12th-highest wicket-taker and sixth most successful fast bowler in Test history. Taking 229 wickets in 64 games, Shami will be remembered as one of the best fast bowlers in India's history.