Mohammed Shami is going to play his 100th first-class game on Sunday when he turns up for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy final against South Zone. The 36-year-old hasn’t played for India since the end of the Champions Trophy in early 2025. His last Test match was the 2023 World Test Championship Final against Australia at the Oval.

Ishan Kishancaptain of the East Zone, has backed the veteran seamer to make a comeback to the national side. The 28-year-old, in his chat with the media, said, “I think he is one of the best and has been a legend of the game. Shami has done well ever since the time he started to play for Bengal and has picked up many wickets, giving his best and also done well for the Indian cricket team.”

After a slow start to Duleep Trophy 2026 in the game against North East Zone, where the seamer went wicketless, he took five wickets against Central Zone in the semi-finals.

The right-arm seamer has played 197 games for India and claimed 462 wickets.

Ishan Kishan backs Shami’s comeback to national side

Speaking to the media, theEast Zone skipper said, “Age is just a number. If he is working hard on his game, then it doesn’t matter.” Kishan himself was sidelined from the national side for close to three years before returning ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup at home.

“Looking at his efforts as a captain, it felt nice because he came and asked me for extra overs to get wickets. This is something every captain wants and gives them confidence. When there are bowlers who are willing to give you wickets, it is great to have them in the team,” he said.

“Looking at Shami Bhai this season, Ifeel he has been different than what I saw in the past.

His approach to the game, as well as his intensity and energy, has been different. You know, it’s hard when you aren’t playing international cricket regularly, and having the same motivation for playing in domestic cricket is tough. He has that hunger and motivation to make a comeback, and he wants to play for India once again, and it can be seen.”