The legend Mohammed Shami yearns for India’s comeback: Ishan Kishan
Mohammad Shami may be 36 and nearing the twilight of his career, but his desire to return to the Indian team remains as strong as ever. East Zone captain Ishan Kishan believes the veteran pacer continues to be fueled by the same competitive fire that has defined his career.
Shami highlighted his importance for the East Zone campaign in the Duleep Trophyin the semi-final in Bengaluru against Central Zone. His performance helped East Zone reach the finals for the first time in 13 years.
“I think he is just one of the best. He has been a legend of the game. He has been doing so well since he started playing for Bengal. He has been picking wickets, giving all his energy and also doing so well for the Indian cricket team,” Kishan told reporters at the pre-match press conference, as quoted by PTI.
“It’s hard to say when it comes to age, I feel age is just a number. If he works hard, it doesn’t matter. I see that hunger in Shami bhai because who can judge hunger better than me now.”
“He’s done so well, especially with him in the team, we’ve got a bit more confidence,” added Kishan.
Although he had already taken 903 wickets in 100 first-class matches, Shami’s appetite for bowling has seemingly not diminished. Kishan revealed that the Bengal seamer was often keen to take on other assignments, a sign of his determination to remain at the top level.
“When I look at his efforts as captain, I felt very good because Shami bhai came and asked me to bowl those extra overs to get wickets, it’s something that always gives confidence to captains. When you have bowlers who are willing to get you wickets. So it’s always good to have him in the team.”
“He also finished with two boundaries so he is an all-rounder I feel today. So I am very happy to have him in my team,” he added.
The East Zone captain was particularly impressed with Shami’s attitude and believes his long absence from international cricket has not affected his ambitions much. For Kishan, the veteran’s performances and attitude reflect a clear desire to get back into India’s plans.
“When I look at Shami bhai this season, I feel he was very different from what I have seen him in the past, but his approach to the game, his intensity, his energy was very different.
“You know it’s tough when you don’t play regularly for the Indian team and to have the same kind of motivation again for home games is tough.
“Right now he is so hungry and motivated as if he wants to come back. He wants to be part of the Indian team again and it shows in him,” Kishan said.
Despite being away from the Indian team for a long time, Kishan does not feel that Shami’s competitive spirit has diminished.
“When he’s trying to help me, when I’m leading the side, he’s trying to come to me, give me options, what you can do. I think you can pick those things out of a player, whether he’s willing to win you this game or not.”
“That’s something all our guys strive for and we’ve been on the winning side,” he added.
Shami last appeared for India in the Champions Trophy 2025 final and finished as the highest wicket-taker in the tournament with nine scalps to his credit.
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Published on:
05 Sep 2026 16:03 IST