‘I feel age is just a number’: Ishan Kishan praises Shami ahead of Duleep final
Source Entity
The Indian Express
Ishan Kishan has publicly backed veteran pacer Mohammed Shami for a national team comeback ahead of the Duleep Trophy final. Despite a long hiatus from Test cricket, Shami’s recent domestic performance and hunger have impressed his teammates and selectors.
The Resurgence of Mohammed Shami: A Test of Persistence
As the Duleep Trophy final approaches, the narrative surrounding veteran speedster Mohammed Shami has shifted from his prolonged absence to his undeniable potential for a national team return. East Zone captain Ishan Kishan has become a vocal proponent of Shami’s comeback, characterizing the 36-year-old’s current form as a testament to his enduring skill and competitive fire. After securing five wickets in the Duleep Trophy semifinal against Central Zone, Shami has once again proven that his ability to make the ball 'talk' remains intact, regardless of the domestic stage.
Overcoming the Hiatus
The statistical reality of Shami’s career highlights the scale of his challenge. Having been sidelined from the Indian side for 545 days—and even longer, 1,182 days, since his last Test appearance—Shami’s journey has been defined by a quiet, persistent grind. While many players in similar positions might pivot exclusively toward the lucrative and less physically demanding T20 leagues, Shami has remained a fixture in the Ranji and Duleep Trophy circuits. This commitment to the longer format of the game, even in empty stadiums, serves as a powerful signal to selectors that his red-ball credentials remain elite.
The 'Age is Just a Number' Philosophy
Ishan Kishan’s assertion that 'age is just a number' reflects a growing sentiment among teammates who witness Shami’s daily preparation. At 36, Shami is not merely relying on his past status as a legend of the game; he is actively outperforming younger competition through sheer energy and technical precision. His seam-upright deliveries and smooth action remain the hallmarks of a bowler who has maintained his physical fitness despite the pressures of a long, injury-interrupted career.
Implications for the Indian Selection Committee
The central question now is whether the selectors will heed the calls of those on the ground. By continuing to toil away in domestic cricket, Shami has effectively forced his name back into the conversation. His performance in the Duleep Trophy is not just about winning a title for East Zone; it is a tactical display designed to remind the national setup that he remains one of the most reliable wicket-takers in the country. The hunger Kishan describes is clearly translated into match-winning contributions, making him a difficult candidate to ignore.
A Quest for Red-Ball Redemption
As Shami prepares to walk out for the Duleep Trophy final, the stakes are higher than a domestic title. For a player who last represented India in the Champions Trophy final in March 2025, a return to the Test arena would represent a significant career milestone. The broader implication here is the value of experience in a sport increasingly obsessed with youth. Shami’s trajectory suggests that for elite pacers, the combination of technical mastery and mental fortitude can bridge the gap created by age and time away from the international spotlight.