‘Remarkable achievement’: Sourav Ganguly’s special message for Mohammed Shami ahead of 100th first-class game

File image: Mohammed Shami and Sourav Ganguly (Photo by ANI) NEW DELHI: Mohammed Shami is set to join an elite club on Sunday when he makes his 100th first-class appearance in the Duleep Trophy final, and former India captain Sourav Ganguly believes the milestone is a fitting reward for the veteran’s remarkable longevity and contribution to Indian cricket.Shami will pit East Zone against South Zone at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, the occasion marking another significant chapter in a first-class career that has already produced 382 wickets from 99 matches. His best innings figures are 8/90.Ganguly, who played alongside Shami during the early stages of the pacer’s career, congratulated him on the milestone and highlighted the difficulty of sustaining a fast bowler’s career in the subcontinent.“Dear Shami, Congratulations on achieving this amazing feat – 100 first-class matches. As a fast bowler in the subcontinent, this is a remarkable achievement. I have seen you grow; I have played with you. It was the early stages of your career and the end of my international career. I always knew there was talent, but I am extremely happy that you have used this talent from CABang on Facebook to overcome this distance.”Ganguly also backed Shami to complete the milestone with the Duleep Trophy title.“And I’m enjoying the games. You’re playing the final of the Duleep Trophy – it’ll be the icing on the cake if you win it. Your performances over the years have been fantastic, especially in Test cricket. You know when fast bowlers avoid playing Test cricket, you’ve got a day in and day out for India. Congratulations to everyone from the Western Cricket Association and Bengal once again from me. You know, it’s a wonderful achievement. Enjoy game and I hope to see you soon,” he added.

Shami’s milestone comes amid India’s comeback bid

The milestone comes at a particularly interesting phase in Shamia’s career. The 36-year-old remains out of India’s current set-up but continues to play domestic cricket as he looks to stay fit and fight for further international appeal. He last played for India in the Champions Trophy final in March 2025.Shami came up big in the Duleep Trophy. After going wicketless in the East Zone opener, he bounced back in the semi-finals against defending champions Central Zone, taking five wickets in two innings as East secured a four-wicket victory to reach the final.

“Age is just a number,” says Kishan

East Zone captain Ishan Kishan was equally impressed with Shami’s determination and believes age should not come in the way of the veteran’s ambitions.“I think he’s just one of the best. He’s been a legend of the game. He’s been doing so well since he started playing for Bengal. He’s been picking wickets, giving all his energy and also doing so well for the Indian cricket team,” Kishan said at the pre-match press conference.“I feel age is just a number. As long as he works hard, it doesn’t matter. I see that hunger in Shami bhai because who better than me to judge the hunger now,” said Kishan, referring to his own spell away from the Indian team.That hunger was visible during the semi-final, when Shami asked for more overs in his quest for wickets.“When I look at his efforts as captain, I felt very good because Shami bhai came and asked me to play those extra overs to get wickets. This is something that always gives confidence to captains. When you have bowlers who are willing to get you wickets, it is always good to have him in the team,” said Kishan.Shami even contributed with the bat, hitting two boundaries and eliciting an easy verdict from his captain.“He also finished with two boundaries so he is an all-rounder today. So I am very happy to have him in my team,” he added.