Veteran Indian fast bowler Mohammad Shami has decided to hang up his boots in his highly successful Test career. On Instagram, Shami paid homage to the BCCI and the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).
Mohammad Shami made his Test debut for India against the West Indies in 2013, the farewell match of Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar. Shami played 64 Tests for India in the period between 2013 and 2023 and claimed 229 wickets, including the best bowling figures of 6/56 in Test cricket with an average of 27.71. Today, we take a look at why Shami’s decision to retire from Tests is a good call.
Here are the 3 reasons why Mohammed Shami’s test retirement is a good call:
3. Selectors moving towards younger pacers
Mohammad Shami last played a Test for India in 2023, the final of the WTC that year against Australia. He was considered for the England tour in 2025 but reportedly told the selectors he was in prime fitness for Tests. Since then, the selectors have moved towards young pacers, with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj leading the attack. Though Shami tried to show his fitness by excelling for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, he likely got the message that he wouldn’t be considered for tests again.
2. Workload and physical management
Mohammad Shami is 36 years old and not getting any younger. He has suffered significant ankle and knee injuries and even went to surgery in 2024 and was out for more than 18 months. He knows his body the best and reports that despite bowling with the red ball, he had to take a break after 4-5 overs of a spell. Focusing on ODI cricket will help Shami reduce wear and tear on his body and prepare well to stake a claim for the 2027 ICC event in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
1. Focus on the 2027 World Cup.
Mohammad Shami, in his retirement speech, categorically stated that he is only walking away from the white jersey, keeping his eyes on white-ball cricket now, and aiming to play the 2027 ICC World Cup tournament. Shami has a very good record in South Africa and ODI World Cups. He has 55 wickets in just three World Cup outings, with 24 of those coming in the 2023 World Cup. Shami has decided to call a day on his Test return dream and fully focus on winning a spot in India’s squad for the ICC event in 2027 in Africa.
