India pacer Mohammed Shami may be past 36, but the bowler—who last played for India in the Champions Trophy 2025 final and last played red-ball cricket in the WTC 2023 finalisn't letting go of his motivation. In his 100th first-class game, he helped East Zone win the Duleep Trophy after 13 years, taking 2/42 in the only innings East Zone bowled, dismissing Shaik Rasheed and R Smaran. It is not completely unlikely that Shami will feature for India again, but the road ahead seems difficult, and the bowler isn't shy of the challenge.<h2>Shami reveals what keeps him motivated</h2>After the final day of the Duleep Trophy final (Sep 10), held at Chepauk in Chennai, Shami revealed what keeps him motivated, saying: "There are plenty of reasons to stay motivated if you look for them. At this level, if you aren't self-motivated, your approach is wrong. No matter what stage you're playing at, your eyes must always be set on the next level.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/women-s-asia-cup-t20-2026-india-march-into-final-with-40-run-win-over-bangladesh-1789094522508">Women's Asia Cup T20 2026: India march into final with 40-run win over Bangladesh</a>"When you wear that crest on your chest, the level of cricket doesn't matter. If you play for the badge, that hunger will naturally show. Your willingness to fight only grows when you play with that pride. My mindset is simple: whichever level I get an opportunity to play, I want to make it count and fulfil my responsibility toward the team," he added.<h2>Shami's career in numbers</h2>Shami has played 64 Tests for India after making his debut in 2013 and has taken 229 wickets - the sixth-most for an Indian pacer behind Kapil Dev (434), Ishant Sharma (311), Zaheer Khan (311), Javagal Srinath (236), and Jasprit Bumrah (234). In ODIs, he made his debut in 2013 against Pakistan in New Delhi and has played 108 matches for 206 wickets - the fifth-most for an Indian pacer behind Srinath (315), Ajit Agarkar (288), Zaheer (269), and Kapil (253). In T20Is, Shami has donned the Indian jersey 25 times and has taken 27 wickets.

Mohammed Shami took 2/42 in his 100th First-Class match to help East Zone win the Duleep Trophy. The 36-year-old pacer (229 Test, 206 ODI wickets) remains motivated to play for India again.

India pacer Mohammed Shami may be past 36, but the bowler—who last played for India in the Champions Trophy 2025 final and last played red-ball cricket in the WTC 2023 finalisn't letting go of his motivation. In his 100th first-class game, he helped East Zone win the Duleep Trophy after 13 years, taking 2/42 in the only innings East Zone bowled, dismissing Shaik Rasheed and R Smaran. It is not completely unlikely that Shami will feature for India again, but the road ahead seems difficult, and the bowler isn't shy of the challenge. Shami reveals what keeps him motivated After the final day of the Duleep Trophy final (Sep 10), held at Chepauk in Chennai, Shami revealed what keeps him motivated, saying: "There are plenty of reasons to stay motivated if you look for them. At this level, if you aren't self-motivated, your approach is wrong. No matter what stage you're playing at, your eyes must always be set on the next level. Also Read - Women's Asia Cup T20 2026: India march into final with 40-run win over Bangladesh "When you wear that crest on your chest, the level of cricket doesn't matter. If you play for the badge, that hunger will naturally show. Your willingness to fight only grows when you play with that pride. My mindset is simple: whichever level I get an opportunity to play, I want to make it count and fulfil my responsibility toward the team," he added. Shami's career in numbers Shami has played 64 Tests for India after making his debut in 2013 and has taken 229 wickets - the sixth-most for an Indian pacer behind Kapil Dev (434), Ishant Sharma (311), Zaheer Khan (311), Javagal Srinath (236), and Jasprit Bumrah (234). In ODIs, he made his debut in 2013 against Pakistan in New Delhi and has played 108 matches for 206 wickets - the fifth-most for an Indian pacer behind Srinath (315), Ajit Agarkar (288), Zaheer (269), and Kapil (253). In T20Is, Shami has donned the Indian jersey 25 times and has taken 27 wickets.

Mohammed Shami took 2/42 in his 100th First-Class match to help East Zone win the Duleep Trophy. The 36-year-old pacer (229 Test, 206 ODI wickets) remains motivated to play for India again.

India pacer Shami, 36, reveals what keeps him motivated to continue to play

Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar picked up two wickets each as East Zone kept South Zone in check at stumps on day three of the Duleep Trophy Final. After being smashed left, right and centre by East Zone batters, mainly captain Ishan Kishan, who clobbered a magnificent 270, South Zone failed to replicate a similar batting masterclass, as they were reduced to 242 for six in 80 overs on day three, trailing by 466 runs. Despite the scorecard, East Zone bowlers rallied on this placid Chepauk surface, with India internationals Devdutt Padikkal and captain Tilak Varma among the half-centurions. &nbsp;Unlike the East Zone openers, who added 100 for the first wicket on the opening day, South Zone openers Ricky Bhui and keeper-batter Narayan Jagadeesan departed within 100 in the first session. While Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s quick call to take a review for a caught behind proved vital as Bhui departed in just the sixth over, Shikhar Mohan, who impressed with the bat in the first innings, dismissed Jagadeesan on 32.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/duleep-trophy-karun-nair-terms-omission-as-inexplicable-as-south-zone-coach-cites-personal-reasons-1788855628869">Duleep Trophy: Karun Nair terms omission as 'inexplicable' as South Zone coach cites ‘personal reasons’</a> &nbsp;Padikkal, fresh from his breakthrough series in Sri Lanka where he top-scored for India (328 in two Tests), also including two hundreds, continued from where he had left off. His partner and touted future star, Shaik Rasheed, scored a gritty 27 before Shami’s snorter trapped him in the middle of the stumps. Soon after, Padikkal departed on 62 off 104 balls, with Mukesh Kumar providing a crucial wicket.&nbsp;&nbsp;WATCH - Shami and Mukesh tear through South Zone's middle order -

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Shami-Mukesh combo strikes 🤝 The pace bowling duo dismiss set batters Shaik Rasheed and Devdutt Padikkal and breaks 56-run stand 🙌 South Zone are 134/4, trail by 574 runs. Scorecard ▶️ <a href="https://t.co/BhTkGWeeoD">https://t.co/BhTkGWeeoD</a><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/DuleepTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DuleepTrophy</a> | <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/EZvSZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EZvSZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/NAvgCYBdkA">pic.twitter.com/NAvgCYBdkA</a>&mdash; BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) <a href="https://x.com/BCCIdomestic/status/2097233632943645170?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

South Zone, at one stage, were reeling at 129 for four. &nbsp;Tilak Varma stitched partnerships with Smaran Ravichandran (23) and Shreyas Gopal (26) but stood his ground till the end. Unbeaten on 56 off 133 balls, hitting five fours, Tilak remains South Zone’s only hope heading into the fourth day of this title match.

Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar struck key blows as East Zone reduced South Zone to 242/6 on Day 3 of the Duleep Trophy final following Ishan Kishan's mammoth 270.

Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar picked up two wickets each as East Zone kept South Zone in check at stumps on day three of the Duleep Trophy Final. After being smashed left, right and centre by East Zone batters, mainly captain Ishan Kishan, who clobbered a magnificent 270, South Zone failed to replicate a similar batting masterclass, as they were reduced to 242 for six in 80 overs on day three, trailing by 466 runs. Despite the scorecard, East Zone bowlers rallied on this placid Chepauk surface, with India internationals Devdutt Padikkal and captain Tilak Varma among the half-centurions. Unlike the East Zone openers, who added 100 for the first wicket on the opening day, South Zone openers Ricky Bhui and keeper-batter Narayan Jagadeesan departed within 100 in the first session. While Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s quick call to take a review for a caught behind proved vital as Bhui departed in just the sixth over, Shikhar Mohan, who impressed with the bat in the first innings, dismissed Jagadeesan on 32. Also read| Duleep Trophy: Karun Nair terms omission as 'inexplicable' as South Zone coach cites ‘personal reasons’ Padikkal, fresh from his breakthrough series in Sri Lanka where he top-scored for India (328 in two Tests), also including two hundreds, continued from where he had left off. His partner and touted future star, Shaik Rasheed, scored a gritty 27 before Shami’s snorter trapped him in the middle of the stumps. Soon after, Padikkal departed on 62 off 104 balls, with Mukesh Kumar providing a crucial wicket. WATCH - Shami and Mukesh tear through South Zone's middle order -

Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar struck key blows as East Zone reduced South Zone to 242/6 on Day 3 of the Duleep Trophy final following Ishan Kishan's mammoth 270.

Duleep Trophy Final: Shami and Mukesh hand East Zone command over South Zone

Day one of the Duleep Trophy final is over, and Ishan Kishan’s East Zone is sitting in the driver’s seat. Captain Kishan scored an unbeaten 111, and fifties from Abhimanyu Easwaran (72), Shikhar Mohan (85) and Kumar Kushagra (63*) helped East Zone post 385 for four at stumps on the first day at Chepauk in Chennai. South Zone bowlers, including ace Indian quick Mohammed Siraj, struggled to break through, with left-arm medium pacer Chama V Milind returning with two wickets so far. Batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi too made a statement in his first-ever five-day first-class game, scoring a quickfire 44 at the top. &nbsp;Sooryavanshi and Easwaran opened the innings and added exactly 100 for the first wicket inside the first 15 overs. The left-hander carried his blistering form into the final by taking on India teammate Siraj early in the innings, smashing him for two fours and a six in one over. His fearless approach and stylish stroke-making forced South Zone captain Tilak Varma to spread his field inside the first session, with Vaibhav hammering five fours and a maximum during his brief stay.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ishan-kishan-mohammed-shami-india-comeback-duleep-trophy-final-1788621048473">'He has that hunger for India comeback': Ishan Kishan hails Mohammed Shami ahead of Duleep Trophy final</a> &nbsp;WATCH Vaibhav smashing Siraj in Duleep Trophy Final –

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">4️⃣,6️⃣,4️⃣ Vaibhav Sooryavanshi on the charge with some delightful shots 🔥 The 50-run stand also comes up between Vaibhav and Abhimanyu Easwaran 🙌 Scorecard ▶️ <a href="https://t.co/KQf5Km69nk">https://t.co/KQf5Km69nk</a><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/DuleepTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DuleepTrophy</a> | <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/SZvEZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SZvEZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/0XLR4LI50R">pic.twitter.com/0XLR4LI50R</a>&mdash; BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) <a href="https://x.com/BCCIdomestic/status/2096460509927383284?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Vaibhav’s dismissal brought Mohan to the crease, with the two adding 33 for the second wicket, before a mix-up led to Easwaran’s run-out on 72. Sudeep Kumar departed soon after on just six as East Zone lost three wickets after lunch on day one. &nbsp;Captain Kishan joined Mohan in the middle, and the pair began building a crucial partnership. It flourished as the two stitched 94 for the fourth wicket, only for Mohan to be bowled by Milind on 85.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Chama Milind struck on the stroke of tea to dismiss the set Shikhar Mohan (85) 🙌 East Zone go into tea at 246/4! Scorecard ▶️ <a href="https://t.co/KQf5Km69nk">https://t.co/KQf5Km69nk</a><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/DuleepTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DuleepTrophy</a> | <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/SZvEZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SZvEZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/x7fOUMaVki">pic.twitter.com/x7fOUMaVki</a>&mdash; BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) <a href="https://x.com/BCCIdomestic/status/2096528014456840476?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Kishan, on the other hand, had a new partner in Kushagra, as the two batted through the final session to see their team dominating the opposition in the Duleep Trophy Final. &nbsp;While Kushagra remained unbeaten on 63, Kishan led from the front, smashing a brilliant hundred in the game that mattered the most. The left-hander hit 15 fours and a six to reach three figures.&nbsp;WATCH -

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">💯 for Ishan Kishan 👏 He brings it up in style 💥 The East Zone captain leading from the front with a superb knock 🙌 Scorecard ▶️ <a href="https://t.co/KQf5Km69nk">https://t.co/KQf5Km69nk</a><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/DuleepTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DuleepTrophy</a> | <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/SZvEZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SZvEZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/ql9el4G60Q">pic.twitter.com/ql9el4G60Q</a>&mdash; BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) <a href="https://x.com/BCCIdomestic/status/2096560968147128384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Ishan Kishan’s unbeaten 111 and fifties from Easwaran, Mohan, and Kushagra powered East Zone to a dominant 385/4 on Day 1 of the Duleep Trophy Final against South Zone.

Day one of the Duleep Trophy final is over, and Ishan Kishan’s East Zone is sitting in the driver’s seat. Captain Kishan scored an unbeaten 111, and fifties from Abhimanyu Easwaran (72), Shikhar Mohan (85) and Kumar Kushagra (63*) helped East Zone post 385 for four at stumps on the first day at Chepauk in Chennai. South Zone bowlers, including ace Indian quick Mohammed Siraj, struggled to break through, with left-arm medium pacer Chama V Milind returning with two wickets so far. Batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi too made a statement in his first-ever five-day first-class game, scoring a quickfire 44 at the top. Sooryavanshi and Easwaran opened the innings and added exactly 100 for the first wicket inside the first 15 overs. The left-hander carried his blistering form into the final by taking on India teammate Siraj early in the innings, smashing him for two fours and a six in one over. His fearless approach and stylish stroke-making forced South Zone captain Tilak Varma to spread his field inside the first session, with Vaibhav hammering five fours and a maximum during his brief stay. Also read| 'He has that hunger for India comeback': Ishan Kishan hails Mohammed Shami ahead of Duleep Trophy final WATCH Vaibhav smashing Siraj in Duleep Trophy Final –

Ishan Kishan’s unbeaten 111 and fifties from Easwaran, Mohan, and Kushagra powered East Zone to a dominant 385/4 on Day 1 of the Duleep Trophy Final against South Zone.

Duleep Trophy Final: Ishan Kishan’s unbeaten 111 powers East Zone to 385/4 on day 1

India’s World Cup hero in the 2023 edition, fast bowler Mohammed Shami, hasn’t been in the selectors’ scheme of things since March 2025, but his East Zone captain Ishan Kishan feels the pacer has hunger in him for an India comeback. Shami last featured for India during the triumphant 2025 Champions Trophy in Dubai, and hasn’t been picked for any format since. Ahead of the Duleep Trophy final, which also happens to be Shami’s 100th first-class match, Kishan praises the Indian veteran. &nbsp;Kishan -- a mainstay in India’s T20I side -- said that for Shami, age is just a number. Showing confidence in Shami’s presence in the playing XI, Kishan said he brings a lot of experience to the table. &nbsp;"I feel age is just a number," Kishan said ahead of the Duleep Trophy in Chennai.&nbsp; &nbsp;"If he is working hard, it doesn't matter - he has been doing so well. Having him in our team, it gives us a bit of more confidence when you have such bowlers in your team who can get you wickets and especially looking at Shami bhai this season, his intensity, his energy has been very different,” he said.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ishan-kishan-tilak-varma-duleep-trophy-final-afg-t20is-format-switch-1788614605122">'Switching formats is tough but no excuses': Kishan, Tilak ready for AFG T20Is days after Duleep Trophy final</a> &nbsp;Kishan said Shami has that hunger in him, and is motivated to press his case for an India return, considering India would need experience in the pace attack at the ODI World Cup.&nbsp; &nbsp;"It has been three years since that [2023] World Cup [when he was in excellent form]; it is hard when you are not regularly playing for the Indian team and to again have that same kind of motivation for your domestic games; it is tough. But I feel I see that hunger in him because who better than me can judge about hunger right now?” he said.&nbsp;"I think he has that hunger and that motivation right now. He wants to do that comeback; he wants to be part of the Indian squad again, and which you can see in him when he is trying to help me, also when I'm leading the side... he is trying to come to me, give me options of what you can do right now,” he concluded. &nbsp;Kishan will lead East Zone against Tilak Varma’s South Zone in the Duleep Trophy final in Chennai.&nbsp;

"Who better than me to judge hunger?" Ishan Kishan backs veteran pacer Mohammed Shami for an India comeback ahead of his milestone 100th first-class match in the Duleep Trophy final.

India’s World Cup hero in the 2023 edition, fast bowler Mohammed Shami, hasn’t been in the selectors’ scheme of things since March 2025, but his East Zone captain Ishan Kishan feels the pacer has hunger in him for an India comeback. Shami last featured for India during the triumphant 2025 Champions Trophy in Dubai, and hasn’t been picked for any format since. Ahead of the Duleep Trophy final, which also happens to be Shami’s 100th first-class match, Kishan praises the Indian veteran. Kishan -- a mainstay in India’s T20I side -- said that for Shami, age is just a number. Showing confidence in Shami’s presence in the playing XI, Kishan said he brings a lot of experience to the table. "I feel age is just a number," Kishan said ahead of the Duleep Trophy in Chennai. "If he is working hard, it doesn't matter - he has been doing so well. Having him in our team, it gives us a bit of more confidence when you have such bowlers in your team who can get you wickets and especially looking at Shami bhai this season, his intensity, his energy has been very different,” he said. Also read| 'Switching formats is tough but no excuses': Kishan, Tilak ready for AFG T20Is days after Duleep Trophy final Kishan said Shami has that hunger in him, and is motivated to press his case for an India return, considering India would need experience in the pace attack at the ODI World Cup. "It has been three years since that [2023] World Cup [when he was in excellent form]; it is hard when you are not regularly playing for the Indian team and to again have that same kind of motivation for your domestic games; it is tough. But I feel I see that hunger in him because who better than me can judge about hunger right now?” he said. "I think he has that hunger and that motivation right now. He wants to do that comeback; he wants to be part of the Indian squad again, and which you can see in him when he is trying to help me, also when I'm leading the side... he is trying to come to me, give me options of what you can do right now,” he concluded. Kishan will lead East Zone against Tilak Varma’s South Zone in the Duleep Trophy final in Chennai.

"Who better than me to judge hunger?" Ishan Kishan backs veteran pacer Mohammed Shami for an India comeback ahead of his milestone 100th first-class match in the Duleep Trophy final.

'He has that hunger for India comeback': Ishan Kishan hails Mohammed Shami ahead of Duleep Trophy final

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India pacer Shami, 36, reveals what keeps him motivated to continue to play

Duleep Trophy Final: Shami and Mukesh hand East Zone command over South Zone

Duleep Trophy Final: Kishan’s unbeaten 111 powers East Zone to 385/4 on day 1

'Hunger for Comeback': Ishan Kishan hails Shami ahead of Duleep Trophy final