Home / Sports / Veteran Pacer Shami Battles Injuries in Duleep Trophy Comeback Bid
Veteran Pacer Shami Battles Injuries in Duleep Trophy Comeback Bid
28 Aug
Summary
- Shami returns to first-class cricket after missing over a year due to injuries
- Played for East Zone in Duleep Trophy, picking up 1 wicket in 17 overs
- Aiming to regain match fitness and secure a spot in India's Test team
In the last 20 months, veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has faced a challenging period. After losing more than a year to injuries, he was part of India's 2025 Champions Trophy winning squad and played a full Indian Premier League (IPL) season. However, the 34-year-old was forced to miss out on two high-profile five-Test series in England and Australia due to a lack of match fitness.
On August 28, 2025, Shami made his return to first-class cricket, turning out for East Zone in a Duleep Trophy encounter against North Zone. Operating across four spells, the pacer sent down 17 overs, conceding 55 runs and picking up one wicket. While he did not bowl at full tilt, Shami was threatening in his third spell and duly picked up a wicket in the fourth.
Shami's effort on Thursday appeared to suggest that the desire to play Test cricket is still there. With the 2025 Champions Trophy and a busy international calendar ahead, the experienced pacer will be hoping to regain his match fitness and secure a spot in India's Test team, having missed out on two high-profile tours in the recent past.
