Veteran India spinner Mohammed Shami remains a topic of constant chatter on social media over his continued absence from the national team. Shami continues to perform in domestic cricket, be it in white-ball or red-ball formats. Yet, the selectors have shown little interest in handing him a recall. When former India captain Sourav Ganguly was asked about Shami’s situation, he maintained that the seamer hasn’t been neglected, but clarity over his future can’t be given with conviction.
Shami, who last represented India in the 2025 Champions Trophy final, has not featured in a Test since the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) final. East Zone ended their 13-year wait for the Duleep Trophy title after the final against South Zone ended in a tame draw on the fifth and final day, with Ishan Kishan ‘s side clinching the trophy on the back of a commanding first-innings lead. His latest domestic outing has once again brought his international comeback into focus as he looks to prove his fitness and form. Shami also played his part in the triumph, claiming two wickets for East Zone. Shami continues to knock on the Indian selectors’ door for a national comeback with an impressive Duleep Trophy campaign. Across three matches, the veteran pacer claimed seven wickets, including a five-wicket haul in the semi-final, keeping his India return firmly in the spotlight.
