Mohammed Shami is making an undeniable case for a return to the Test team, showcasing exceptional form in domestic cricket, including a five-wicket haul in the Duleep Trophy semi-final.
Key Points
- Mohammed Shami, turning 36, is actively seeking a return to the Indian Test team.
- He has consistently performed in domestic cricket, leading wicket-takers in Ranji and Vijay Hazare Trophies.
- Shami’s five-wicket haul in the Duleep Trophy semi-final showcased his form and skill.
Mohammed Shami turns 36 on Thursday, September 5, but there is still one birthday wish the veteran pacer will be hoping comes true — a return to the Indian Test team.
Shami has not played an international match for India since the Champions Trophy final in March 2025. He picked up one wicket in the final and finished the tournament with nine wickets as Rohit Sharma‘s side went unbeaten to lift the title.
Shami’s Consistent Domestic Performance
Since then, the experienced pacer has been out of India’s plans. His last T20I came in 2025, while his most recent Test appearance was in the 2023 World Test Championship final.
Yet Shami has continued to make his presence felt whenever he has had the opportunity. He has regularly featured in domestic cricket across formats and continued to pick up wickets.
In the 2025-2026 Ranji Trophy season, he finished as the leading pacer with 36 wickets at an average of 16.5. He then claimed 15 wickets in seven Vijay Hazare Trophy matches.
Duleep Trophy Impact And Future Prospects
His latest chance to remind the selectors of what he can offer has come in the Duleep Trophy. Representing East Zone, Shami took five wickets in the semi-final against Central Zone to help his team reach the final.
He also produced one of the moments of the match with a stunning one-handed caught-and-bowled dismissal of Harsh Dubey. The batter’s shot came straight back at Shami, who reacted quickly, stretched out one hand and completed a superb catch to end Dubey’s innings on 24.
With India due to tour New Zealand later this year, Shami’s performances in the Duleep Trophy could prove particularly important.
India’s pace attack has already been hit by fitness concerns, while the two-Test series will be an important part of the World Test Championship cycle.
For Shami, the equation is simple. He cannot control the selectors’ decision but he can continue putting runs of wickets on the board and make his case impossible to ignore.
Source: www.rediff.com
