Mohammed Shami retires from Test cricket after repeated selection snubs

The 36-year-old pacer’s decision comes after he was once again overlooked for India's two-Test series against New Zealand, despite impressive performances in domestic cricket. His continued exclusion had raised questions about his future in the longest format, particularly after he made several attempts to establish his fitness and push for an international comeback.

Shami made his Test debut against the West Indies at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on November 6, 2013. He went on to represent India in 64 Tests, claiming 229 wickets at an average of 27.71. His best bowling figures in an innings were 6/56, and he registered six five-wicket hauls. He also scored 750 runs, including two half-centuries.

Shami's impact, however, extended well beyond Test cricket. In One-Day Internationals, he played 108 matches and took 206 wickets at an impressive average of 24.05. His best figures were 7/57, and he recorded six five-wicket hauls. He was particularly effective in major ICC tournaments, establishing himself as one of India's most dependable fast bowlers in the 50-over format.

One of the defining moments of his ODI career came during the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, when he emerged as India's leading wicket-taker. He finished the tournament with 24 wickets in just seven matches, including three five-wicket hauls, despite not being part of the initial playing XI.

In T20 Internationals, Shami represented India in 25 matches, taking 27 wickets at an average of 28.19. His best figures were 3/15. Across all three international formats, he finished with 462 wickets in 197 appearances.

Shami's international career began with his ODI debut against Pakistan on January 6, 2013. He made his T20I debut against the same opposition on March 21, 2014. Over the years, his ability to generate pace, seam movement and reverse swing made him a formidable presence in India's pace attack.

Despite being away from the national side, Shami continued to demonstrate his bowling ability in domestic cricket. He claimed 37 wickets in seven matches for Bengal during the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy season, further strengthening his case for an international recall. However, the selectors did not include him in the squad for the New Zealand Test series.

Shami's contribution to Indian cricket has been particularly significant in overseas conditions, where his ability to extract movement and maintain consistent pace made him an important member of the bowling attack. His performances in Test cricket, the World Test Championship and major ICC tournaments have earned him a place among India's most effective fast bowlers of his generation.

His retirement from the longest format marks the end of a significant chapter in Indian cricket. However, the decision concerns Test cricket alone and does not, by itself, signal his retirement from ODIs, T20 cricket or the Indian Premier League.