Mohammed Shami is set to play his 100th first-class match in the Duleep Trophy final between East Zone and South Zone at MA Chidambaram Stadium on September 7, 2026. The fast bowler has been away from India's Test squad for 1,182 days and has not featured in an India match for 545 days. Despite the extended absence, Shami has shown strong intent during the domestic season, requesting the ball in both the quarterfinal and semifinal matches of the Duleep Trophy, according to East Zone captain Ishan
Kishan.
Bharat Arun, the former India bowling coach, has publicly backed Shami's push for a return to the national team. Speaking about the pacer's situation, Arun expressed his view that the selectors should not have ended their association with the bowler. Arun's comments come as Shami continues to demonstrate his commitment to domestic cricket and his desire to play for India again.
“They shouldn’t have closed the door on Shami. There is still plenty of cricket left in him. When someone is performing, age shouldn’t be a factor. You see his durability. It is an outstanding number for the kind of talent he possesses. It is actually befitting for Shami. 100 first-class matches with what he loves most, the red ball,” said Arun to Indian Express.
Shami's passion for bowling has been a defining characteristic throughout his career. Arun, who worked closely with the pacer during his time as India's bowling coach, highlighted Shami's unwavering dedication to the sport. According to Arun, Shami's love for bowling extends beyond match situations and into training environments, where his commitment remains constant regardless of the format or setting.
Arun explained that Shami's approach to the game reflects his deep connection to fast bowling.
"He loves bowling. It doesn't matter whether it is in the nets or in the middle of a game. You give him the red ball, or any ball for that matter, he would mark his run-up and start bowling. Some days he would turn up at the nets and say 'I don't want to bowl'. But in a matter of a few minutes, he would grab the ball and start bowling. And then you can't stop him unless he bowls for 45 minutes to one hour. So that's what makes Shami. He loves bowling irrespective of where he is," Arun said.
Arun also shared an anecdote about Shami's readiness to bowl, noting that the pacer's commitment to the sport is evident in his preparation.
"So the best way to stop Shami from bowling is, before he leaves the hotel, I will ensure he doesn't wear his spikes to the ground. If he wears the spikes, then you know he is in the mood to bowl. He doesn't talk much or share his emotional side, but he is someone who takes immense pride in being the fast bowler with the best seam position in the world," Arun said.
