Ishan Kishan backs Shami for India comeback

East Zone captain Ishan Kishan has backed veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami for an India comeback, citing his exceptional hunger and motivation during the ongoing Duleep Trophy. Kishan’s comments came ahead of the tournament final, where East Zone will face South Zone on Sunday, September 6, at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium. Shami, 36, has been a key figure in East Zone’s run to their first final in 13 years, claiming five wickets in two matches. He has not played for India since the 2025 Champions Trophy final on March 9, 2025, and was not included in the shortlist for the upcoming Test series in New Zealand. Despite his international absence, Shami has maintained strong form in domestic cricket, taking 37 wickets in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy and leading Bengal’s wicket-taking charts in both the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy. Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Kishan emphasized that Shami’s age should not be a barrier to selection. “I think he is just one of the best. He has been a legend of this game,” Kishan said. “It’s hard to say when it comes to age, I feel age is just a number. If he is working hard it doesn’t matter.