Veteran Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has opened up about his light-hearted exchanges with 15-year-old teammate Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during the Duleep Trophy 2026. The experienced pacer and the teenage batter formed a strong bond while representing East Zone in the domestic red-ball tournament.

East Zone, led by Ishan Kishan, secured the Duleep Trophy title after taking a 372-run first-innings lead over South Zone in the final. They had posted a huge total of 708 runs in their first innings. Shami also made a useful contribution with the ball, taking seven wickets in three matches at an average of 26.57.

Mohammed Shami Reveals His Fun Banter With Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who recently made his India debut, often joked around Mohammed Shami during the tournament. Shami revealed that he would respond by reminding the youngster that he was not even as old as his cricket career.

"He loves pulling my leg! I usually tease him back by saying he isn't even as old as my cricket career. But he constantly banters with me, and that's great to see," Shami told ESPN Cricinfo.

"Being able to open up, mingle freely, and build camaraderie will serve him well going forward. I always encourage players to speak openly with everyone [in the team]," Shami added.

Mohammed Shami Says High-Pressure Cricket Makes Youngsters Mature Early

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi enjoyed an impressive Duleep Trophy campaign despite this being his first major exposure to red-ball cricket. He also scored an 81-ball 92 against Central Zone in the semifinal, becoming the youngest player to score a Duleep Trophy half-century.

The teenager had already made history on India's recent tour of Zimbabwe by becoming the youngest player to score a T20I half-century. Shami believes regular exposure to competitions such as the IPL has helped young players develop quickly.

"Most of these youngsters are already quite mature. With the level of cricket they play today, in the IPL and other high-pressure tournaments, maturity comes early, so you don't need to over-coach them," Shami said.

"But yes, when the game gets tight and challenging, that's when you step in with tactical inputs and remind them to keep fighting," he added.

Mohammed Shami Continues to Wait for India Comeback

Mohammed Shami was part of East Zone's title-winning campaign but remains outside India's plans despite continuing to perform in domestic cricket. The 36-year-old last played for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy final against New Zealand.

The veteran pacer has taken 384 wickets in 100 first-class matches at an average of 26.28, including 15 five-wicket hauls. For India, he has claimed 229 wickets in 64 Tests, 206 in 108 ODIs and 27 in 25 T20Is.

India are scheduled to tour New Zealand later this year for three ODIs, five T20Is, and two Tests. However, according to a Dainik Jagran report, Shami has once again been left out of the shortlist for the Test series.

The report stated that the selectors have shortlisted Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar and Akash Deep as the five pacers for the New Zealand Tests.