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Shami Eyes India Return After Duleep Trophy Win in 100th First-Class Match

Selectors still cite red-ball fitness as the deciding factor despite his Chennai form and vocal desire to move back up the ladder.

Overview

  • On Thursday, Mohammed Shami helped East Zone secure the Duleep Trophy by taking key wickets in the final as he completed his 100th first-class match and celebrated a tournament-winning first-innings lead.
  • Shami said he remains motivated and is “eyeing the next level,” making clear that strong domestic form is his path back to international cricket.
  • He described taking a mentoring role with teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and warned against over-coaching young players who gain early maturity from tournaments such as the IPL.
  • Shami credited disciplined line and length and planned use of reverse swing for success in Chennai’s hot, low-bounce conditions, showing tactical adaptation rather than reliance on raw pace.
  • Despite public and former-coach calls to reconsider him, Shami has not played for India since March 2025 and selectors continue to monitor fitness for red-ball duties, so no formal recall has been announced.