Legend Mohammed Shami has hunger in him for India comeback: Ishan Kishan

Ishan Kishan believes that age is just a number and Mohammed Shami still has the hunger to make a comeback into the Indian team. Shami is all set to play his 100th first-class match during the Duleep Trophy final.Shami helped East Zone reach the final of the Duleep Trophy (Courtesy: PTI)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 driven by the same competitive fire that has defined his career.Shami underlined his importance to East Zone's campaign in the Duleep Trophy, producing a five-wicket haul against Central Zone in the semifinal in Bengaluru. His performance helped East Zone reach the final for the first time in 13 years."I think he is just one of the best. He has been a legend of this game. He has been doing so well since he started playing for Bengal. He has been picking wickets, giving all his energy and he has done so well for the Indian cricket team also," Kishan told reporters in 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 is working hard it doesn't matter. I see that hunger in Shami bhai because who better than me to judge about hunger right now." "He has been doing so well, especially having him in our teamit gives us a bit of more confidence," Kishan added.Despite having already amassed 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 additional overs, a sign of his determination to remain at the highest level. "Looking at his efforts as a captain, I felt very nice, because Shami bhai came in, asking me for those extra overs to get the wickets, this is something which always gives confidence to skippers. 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 allrounder I feel nowadays. So I am very happy to have him in my team," he added.The East Zone skipper was particularly impressed by Shami's attitude and believes the pacer's prolonged absence from international cricket has done little to affect his ambition. For Kishan, the veteran's performances and approach reflect a clear desire to force his way back into India's plans."Looking at Shami bhai this season, I feel he has been very different, how I have seen him in past, but his approach towards the game, his intensity, his energy has been very different.""You know 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 is tough.""He has that hunger and that motivation right now like he wants to do that comeback. He wants to be part of the Indian squad again and you can see it in him," said Kishan.Despite being away from the Indian team for a long time, Kishan doesn't feel Shami's competitive spirit has diminished."When he is trying to help me when I am leading the sidehe is trying to come to me, give me options of what you can do. I think these things you can pick from a player whether he is willing to win you this game or not."That is something which all our boys are trying to do and we have been on the winning side," he added.Shami's last appearance in India colours came in the Champions Trophy 2025 final and he finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with nine scalps to his name.- EndsPublished On: Sep 5, 2026 16:03 IST