Mohammed Shami Eyes India Comeback After Duleep Trophy Success

Shami's Determination for a National Return

Veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami, following his pivotal role in East Zone's Duleep Trophy victory during his 100th first-class match, has expressed a strong desire to return to the Indian cricket team. At 36, Shami's passion for the game remains as intense as ever, despite not having played for India since the 2025 Champions Trophy final and being absent from Test matches since the 2023 World Test Championship final.

East Zone secured the Duleep Trophy after a 13-year hiatus, with the final against South Zone concluding in a draw on the fifth day. Ishan Kishan's team clinched the title thanks to a substantial first-innings lead, and Shami contributed by taking two wickets.

Playing with Pride

After the Duleep final in Chennai, Shami emphasized the importance of motivation in cricket. He stated, "There are numerous reasons to stay driven if you seek them. Positivity can be drawn from any ground you play on. At this level, lacking self-motivation indicates a flawed approach. Regardless of the stage, your focus should always be on advancing to the next level."

He further added, "I always say: you play for the badge. Wearing that crest elevates the significance of the game. If you play for the badge, your hunger will naturally manifest. The desire to compete intensifies when you play with pride. My mindset is straightforward: I aim to make every opportunity count and fulfill my responsibilities to the team."

Strong Domestic Performance

Shami's impressive performance in the Duleep Trophy has kept him in contention for a national team spot. Over three matches, he took seven wickets, including a remarkable five-wicket haul in the semi-final, reinforcing his case for selection.

Additionally, Shami had a stellar 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, where he claimed 37 wickets at an average of 16.72, featuring three five-wicket hauls.