# Ishan Kishan Praises Mohammad Shami Ahead of 100th First-Class Match, Highlights Comeback Hunger

> East Zone captain Ishan Kishan has praised veteran fast bowler Mohammad Shami, highlighting his unwavering hunger for an India comeback as he prepares for his 100th first-class match.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Cricket · **Published:** 2026-09-05 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/cricket/ishan-kishan-praises-mohammad-shami-ahead-of-100th-first-class-match-28223 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Mohammad Shami, Ishan Kishan, Duleep Trophy, East Zone, South Zone, Tilak Verma, Indian Cricket

Veteran Indian fast bowler Mohammad Shami is approaching a major milestone as he prepares to step onto the field for his 100th first-class match, carrying the same fierce energy and passion that has defined his career. East Zone captain Ishan Kishan emphasized that the pacer still possesses an unyielding drive and remains fully committed to earning a recall to the Indian national team.

Shami played a pivotal role in leading East Zone to the Duleep Trophy final after a 13-year wait, picking up five crucial wickets in the semifinal clash against Central Zone. In the summit clash, his team is set to lock horns with South Zone. Speaking to reporters on the eve of the title match, Kishan shared his thoughts on the veteran pacer.

Kishan remarked that Shami is undoubtedly one of the finest players and a true legend of the game. Ever since he began his cricketing journey for Bengal, his numbers and performances have been phenomenal. He constantly delivers breakthroughs, pours his heart out on the field, and has delivered outstanding performances while representing India at the highest level.

Addressing discussions around age, the captain stated that age is merely a number and holds no significance if a player is willing to put in the hard yards. Kishan noted that he can still witness the intense desire burning inside Shami, adding that his stellar form and presence within the squad instill immense confidence in the entire team.

Shami is currently 36 years old and in the latter stages of his career, yet he remains eager to bowl extra spells for the side. Sharing an anecdote, Kishan mentioned that Shami requested additional overs to hunt for wickets during the match, a proactive attitude that deeply impressed the captain and elevated the morale of the entire group. His ultimate goal remains wearing the India jersey once again.

Shami last featured for India in the final of the Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand in Dubai. Since then, he has been patiently waiting for another opportunity. He has previously stated on multiple occasions that selection is beyond his control, keeping his primary focus on delivering consistent performances with both the red and white balls. His immediate priority is to deliver a match-winning spell in the Duleep Trophy final, with East Zone playing the title match after a long gap of 14 years.

Meanwhile, South Zone batters are gearing up to counter the veteran threat. South Zone captain Tilak Verma lauded Shami's immense skill but made it clear that his squad is fully prepared to face the clever fast bowler. Verma acknowledged that playing against Shami will serve as a tough challenge, noting how he cleverly trapped batters in the previous fixture.

## What this means for you
This update highlights the relentless dedication required at the domestic level for players aiming to break back into international contention.

- **Across India:** Domestic performers striving for national selection will find inspiration in Shami's tireless work ethic and commitment.
- **In Sports:** The narrative sets a strong benchmark for veteran athletes proving that fitness and hunger outweigh age constraints in competitive sports.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. Which milestone match is Mohammad Shami preparing to play?
Mohammad Shami is gearing up to play his 100th first-class match.

### 2. Against which team did Shami take five wickets in the Duleep Trophy semifinal?
Shami picked up five wickets against Central Zone in the semifinal fixture.

### 3. After how many years has East Zone reached the Duleep Trophy final?
East Zone reached the Duleep Trophy final after a gap of 13 years.

### 4. Which team will East Zone face in the final?
East Zone will face South Zone in the summit clash.

### 5. When and where did Shami play his last match for India?
Shami played his last match for India in the Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand in Dubai.

## Inspiration & Lessons
Mohammad Shami's journey offers valuable lessons in resilience, perseverance, and relentless dedication to one's craft.

- **Unrelenting Grind:** Focus purely on hard work and fitness rather than letting age or external factors dictate your limits.
- **Going the Extra Mile:** Willingness to bowl extra spells and push physical boundaries separates top champions from the rest.
- **Controlling the Controllables:** Focus entirely on performance and let your game speak for itself when selection is beyond your hands.

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