India, Sept. 5 -- There is something quietly defiant about Mohammed Shami still turning up. At 36, with 99 first-class matches behind him and a 100th waiting in the Duleep Trophy final against South Zone starting in Chennai on Sunday, Shami finds himself at an awkward intersection of achievement and uncertainty.

The milestone is significant. The circumstances are less so. India's selectors have, through their decisions, suggested that the fast bowler is no longer part of their immediate plans.

Shami, however, continues to behave as if the argument remains open. "I think he is just one of the best. He has been a legend of this game. He has been doing so well since he started playing for Bengal. He has been picking wickets, giving all his...