East Zone captain Ishan Kishan has backed veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami to make his India comeback ahead of the Duleep Trophy 2026 final. The wicketkeeper-batter praised Shami’s fitness, motivation and leadership after East Zone secured a place in the upcoming title clash.
East Zone reached the final after defeating defending champions Central Zone by four wickets at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. They will face South Zone, led by Tilak Varma, in the final on Sunday, September 6, in Chennai. Shami is expected to play an important role in the summit clash.
Ishan Kishan Backs Mohammed Shami for India Recall
Speaking at the press conference, Ishan Kishan said that Mohamed Shami kept asking for longer spells during the semifinal. Kishan also joked about Shami’s two boundaries, calling the experienced pacer an “all-rounder.”
“Shami is a legend of the game. He has done so well for India. Looking at his effort in the last game, Shami bhai asking for more overs, gives confidence for the captain. He scored two boundaries. He is now an all-rounder I feel (smiles),” Kishan said.
“It has been 3 years since that WC. I see that hunger in him, motivation in him. He wants to make a comeback into the Indian team. When I am leading, he gives me options like what you can do,” he added.
Shami last played for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy final, while his last Test appearance came against Australia in the 2023 World Test Championship final. He has continued to play domestic cricket for Bengal, taking 37 wickets in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy and 15 wickets in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Ishan Kishan Expects Spin to Come Into Play in Chennai
Ishan Kishan also discussed the pitch conditions in Chennai. The East Zone captain expects the surface to offer a different challenge compared to the BCCI Centre of Excellence and believes spin could become more effective as the match progresses.
“The wickets aren't going to be like at CoE, a bit different. Turn could come into play on day 4 or 5,” Kishan said.
East Zone will enter the final after beating defending champions Central Zone by four wickets in the semifinal. Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar played important roles with the ball, but the conditions in Chennai could require East Zone to adjust their bowling plans if the pitch starts assisting spinners.
Mohammed Shami Misses Out on New Zealand Test Shortlist
Mohammed Shami has reportedly been left out of the shortlist of Indian pacers being considered for the upcoming Test series in New Zealand. According to Dainik Jagran, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, and Akash Deep were shortlisted by the selectors.
Shami has taken 229 wickets in 64 Tests, including six five-wicket hauls, with the best figures of 6/56. In ODIs, he has secured 206 wickets in 108 matches, including six five-wicket hauls and career-best figures of 7/57.
In T20Is, Mohammed Shami has taken 27 wickets in 25 matches, with the best figures of 3/15. Overall, he has 462 international wickets across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. During the 2023 ODI World Cup campaign, he finished as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 24 wickets.
