Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra dismissed suggestions that pacer Mohammed Shami is being overlooked for national selection purely because of his age.

15-year-old batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and 36-year-old pacer Mohammed Shami shared the dressing room for East Zone in the recently-concluded Duleep Trophy 2026 final.

Mohammed Shami continues to be overlooked by the national selection committee, but the fire within him is still burning strong.

Asked about Shami's chances of making a comeback for the 2027 ODI World Cup, Ganguly said it was too early to make a prediction.

Mohammed Shami has not played for India since March 2025 but the veteran pacer on Thursday asserted that his motivation level has not dipped, and is still eyeing the "next level" in his career.

East Zone vs South Zone, Duleep Trophy Final: Ishan Kishan-led East Zone are on course to win the Duleep Trophy final over Tilak Varma-led South Zone.

Powered by a star-studded bowling line-up that includes India internationals Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar, East Zone reduced South Zone to 242/6 at stumps on Day 3 of the Duleep Trophy final

India internationals Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar starred with the ball as East Zone ended Day 3 of the Duleep Trophy final against South Zone here at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in ascendancy.

The East Zone vice-captain plotted a couple of South Zone wickets as the teenage sensation played a key role in the dismissals of Ricky Bhui

Mohammed Shami is set to play his 100th first-class match in the Duleep Trophy final, but he hasn't played for Team India in more than a year.