Ishan Kishan says age is just a number for Mohammed Shami

East Zone captain Ishan Kishan said Mohammed Shami's hunger and intensity remain undiminished at 36 as the seamer prepares for his 100th first-class match in the Duleep Trophy final. Kishan praised Shami for asking for extra overs during East Zone's campaign. The veteran bowler has not played for India since the Champions Trophy final last year.

Kishan scored an unbeaten 111 on day one as East Zone reached 385 for four against South Zone at Chepauk. Kumar Kushagra made 101 before falling on day two, while Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored 44. South Zone captain Tilak Varma engaged in a verbal exchange with Sooryavanshi before the youngster's dismissal.

Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun questioned the decision to drop Shami, saying selectors should not have closed the door on the pacer. Ajit Agarkar has not commented on the exclusion.