East Zone skipper Ishan Kishan has commended veteran pacer Mohammed Shami’s strong desire and motivation to return to the Indian cricket team. Kishan’s remarks follow Shami’s impactful performance in the Duleep Trophy semifinal, where he played a significant role in East Zone reaching the final after 13 years.
Shami, who last represented India in the 2025 Champions Trophy final, has been actively participating in domestic cricket across various formats for more than three years. This effort is part of his bid to make a comeback to the national squad, despite a period marked by injuries and a team transition.
Shami’s Domestic Impact and Drive
The Bengal pacer’s dedication to domestic cricket has been evident, even after his last appearance for India in the World Test Championship final in 2023. Despite the passage of time and the challenges of maintaining motivation away from the national team, Shami’s competitive spirit remains strong.
Kishan highlighted Shami’s exceptional performance in the Duleep Trophy semifinal against Central Zone in Bengaluru, where he secured five wickets. This display underscored his continued skill and determination. Shami is also set to play his 100th first-class match in the upcoming Duleep Trophy final, a significant milestone in his career.
During a pre-match press conference, Kishan described Shami as one of the best in the game, acknowledging his long-standing success since his early days playing for Bengal. Kishan noted Shami’s consistent ability to take early wickets and his unwavering energy on the field.
Kishan, who is also on a journey to re-establish himself in red-ball cricket, emphasized that age is merely a number when a player is dedicated and works hard. He observed a distinct change in Shami’s approach, intensity, and energy this season compared to previous years, which has positively influenced the team.
The East Zone captain recounted how Shami would proactively ask for extra overs to secure wickets, a quality that instills confidence in a skipper. Kishan expressed his satisfaction at having such a committed bowler in his team, humorously adding that Shami’s ability to finish with two boundaries in one instance makes him an all-rounder in his eyes.
Unwavering Motivation for an India Return
Kishan further elaborated on Shami’s hunger, stating that it is challenging for players not regularly featuring for the Indian team to maintain motivation for domestic games. However, he sees that strong desire in Shami, who is determined to earn a recall to the national squad.
The skipper noted that Shami’s willingness to offer tactical advice and options during games demonstrates his commitment to winning. This collaborative spirit, according to Kishan, is a clear indicator of a player’s dedication to the team’s success.
Tilak Varma, the skipper for South Zone, also praised Shami, acknowledging the challenge he poses to opposing batsmen. Varma expressed confidence in his team’s preparation to face the experienced pacer in the final.
The Duleep Trophy final, featuring players like Shami, Tilak Varma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Devdutt Padikkal, and Mohammed Siraj, is expected to draw significant attention. Fans will have free entry to the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai for the five-day summit clash between East Zone and South Zone. Shami’s continued pursuit of an India comeback, marked by his consistent domestic performances and unwavering motivation, remains a key storyline.
As the tournament unfolds, Shami is expected to showcase his signature seam position and release, aiming to dismantle the South Zone batting line-up. His presence on the field continues to be a privilege for fans watching the game.
Read Also
Source: newindianexpress.com
Priya Patel writes on politics and current affairs for Latest News, reporting on Parliament, policy and the decisions that affect readers across India.
More articles by Priya Patel 
