'Safed jersey se vida': Mohammed Shami retires from Test cricket after 13-year journey

India fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who wore Test cap No. 279, has announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing an end to a career spanning 64 matches in the longest format. The 35-year-old pacer took 229 wickets in Tests, including six five-wicket hauls and a best bowling performance of 6/56.

Shami announced his decision through an emotional post on X. "Safed jersey se vida le raha hoon, lekin usse judi yaadon se kabhi nahi" (I am bidding farewell to the white jersey, but never to the memories associated with it), he said.

Reflecting on his journey, Shami said that despite the many ups and downs, the 13-year journey had been a beautiful one. He said every wicket, struggle, injury and comeback had taught him something along the way.


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"Test cricket mere liye sirf ek format nahi, meri zindagi ka ek behad khaas hissa raha hai," he wrote, adding that he was taking the decision with a heavy heart and countless beautiful memories.

Shami thanked his teammates, coaches, family and millions of Indian fans for standing by him through both good and difficult times. He also expressed gratitude to the BCCI and the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) for believing in his talent and providing him opportunities throughout his career.

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"Maidaan par meri aakhri Test ball bhale hi fenki ja chuki ho, lekin Bharat ke liye khelne ka garv hamesha mere dil mein zinda rahega," he wrote.

Shami made his Test debut against the West Indies in November 2013 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. His last appearance in the format came in the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023.