India, Oct. 10 -- As another Ranji season begins, the 36-year-old Mohammed Shami looks like he is running out of time. He has been ignored by the selectors -- reportedly for his age and the condition of his knees.

But one wouldn't fault him for feeling a little bit more optimistic this time around. After all, another 36-year-old, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has managed to return to the India fold after four years. It may not be a like-for-like comparison but it offers something that every ageing champion needs: hope.

Bhuvneshwar's return to the T20I team for the upcoming tour of New Zealand has sent a clear message: age is no longer an automatic barrier for the selection committee.

The timing matters as well. The announcement came on October 6, ...