Mohammed Shami Keeps India Comeback Hopes Alive After Duleep Trophy Win

Mohammed Shami may currently be outside India’s international setup, but the veteran fast bowler remains determined to continue working towards a return. After helping East Zone win the Duleep Trophy, Shami said his motivation has not been affected by the uncertainty surrounding his international future.

The 36-year-old has continued playing domestic cricket since his last appearance for India in March 2025. His latest performance came in the Duleep Trophy final in Chennai, where East Zone secured the title and ended a 13-year wait for the championship.

Speaking after the final, Shami said players at this level must find their own motivation and continue looking for reasons to remain positive. He stressed that his approach to the game remains the same regardless of whether it is his first match or his 100th.

The Duleep Trophy final was particularly significant for Shami as it marked his 100th first-class appearance. He contributed with the ball by dismissing Ravichandran Smaran and Sheikh Rasheed as South Zone were bowled out for 336.

With the West Indies series no longer available as a possible route back into the India team, Shami’s next realistic opportunity could come during India’s tour of New Zealand. India are scheduled to play five ODIs between November 4 and 15, followed by two Tests.

The ODI series could be especially important for Shami as India continue preparing their 50-over combination ahead of the 2027 World Cup. His experience could prove useful if he can demonstrate his fitness and effectiveness, particularly as India look to manage the workload of Jasprit Bumrah.

The New Zealand Tests could also provide Shami with another opportunity to return to the red-ball setup. Australia’s five-Test tour of India is scheduled to begin in January 2027, making the coming months important for players competing for places in the Test squad as well.

Shami has remained busy in domestic cricket over the past 18 months. During the 2025-26 season, he claimed 36 wickets in the Ranji Trophy, 16 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and 15 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He also bowled 62 overs during the Duleep Trophy.

Rather than focusing on selection speculation, Shami has continued concentrating on his performances and fitness. His latest Duleep Trophy campaign and 100th first-class match underlined his commitment to competitive cricket.

The opportunity to return to India colours is no longer available through the West Indies series, but the New Zealand tour could offer Shami his next major chance. With the 2027 World Cup approaching, the experienced fast bowler remains focused on doing the work required to keep his comeback hopes alive.