Indian
Shami, who made his debut against the West Indies in Kolkata on 6 November 2013, reflected on his journey with gratitude. In his farewell message, he expressed that while he is stepping away from the white jersey, the memories and lessons gathered throughout his tenure will remain with him. He noted that every wicket taken, struggle endured, and injury overcome had contributed to his growth as a cricketer.
A Legacy of Wickets and Resilience
Throughout his career, Shami established himself as a pivotal figure in India’s bowling attack. He concludes his Test tenure with an impressive tally of 229 wickets across 64 matches. His record includes six five-wicket hauls, with his best individual bowling performance being 6/56. His final appearance in the format came in June 2023 against Australia.
Beyond his statistics, Shami expressed deep appreciation for the support he received throughout his career. He extended his thanks to his teammates, coaches, family, and the millions of fans who supported him through various stages of his professional life. He also acknowledged the foundational roles played by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (
Reflecting on a Storied Career
Describing Test cricket as a deeply special part of his life, Shami emphasized that the pride of representing India would continue to be a defining aspect of his identity, even after bowling his final delivery in the format. While his Test career has concluded, his impact on the game remains notable, including his performance as the leading wicket-taker during the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he claimed 24 wickets in seven innings.
