Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami’s absence from the first T20I against England has raised a few eyebrows. The 34-year-old fast bowler was expected to return to international cricket through this match, but he did not play.
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra raised questions about the team management’s decision not to play Shami in this match. Chopra claimed that Shami marked his run-up and was expected to play. However, the team leadership did not play him.
The former India opener also assumed that Shami is not fully fit which is the main reason why he did not play the match. He feels that Shami’s fitness is important for the Indian team as he is one of the important bowlers for the team.
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Aakash Chopra breaks his silence on Mohammed Shami’s absence
While speaking in a video on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra spoke about Mohammed Shami’s absence from the first T20I. He feels that Shami did not play despite marking his run which calls into question his fitness.
“It’s a huge topic. It’s huge for all of us because nobody’s saying anything. Maybe something was said in the press conference (after the match) but I’m not aware of it at the time of the recording. Where is (Mohammed) Shami what are you doing?” Chopra said.
“He had huge bands on his legs. He marked his run-up and we thought he would play for sure, but Shami didn’t play. Shami playing is crucial for everyone’s health, yours, mine and the Indian team,” he was recorded as saying.
Notably, Shami was expected to return to international cricket through this match, but India opted to play three spinners and Arshdeep Singh as the sole specialist fast bowler. Hardik Pandya was used as second man with the new ball.
Why didn’t Mohammed Shami play?
Aakash Chopra feels that Mohammed Shami was not 100 percent fit which is why he did not play the match. He feels India would have gone with Shami if he was fully fit to play.
“One match has passed, and there are only four left. He didn’t play the first match, and if he didn’t play, it only means that he wasn’t 100 percent ready. If he was ready, there’s no excuse it worked, if the pitch wasn’t good, you wanted to play spin, you wanted to play Ravi Bishnoi as well, and you wanted to go with three spinners,” Chopra said.
Mohammed Shami’s return has been highly anticipated among Indian fans as he will be key to India’s chances in the Champions Trophy and the upcoming series. However, he did not play, and the team management did not clearly respond to his absence.
Mohammed Shami’s last international match
Mohammed Shami has not played an international match since the 2023 ODI World Cup final in November against Australia. He sustained the injury during the ODI World Cup but continued to play with severe pain.
He finally went under the knife in early 2024 which made him miss the IPL 204 season and the 2024 T20 World Cup.. He was expected to return to the international community in India’s domestic Test season, but his return was delayed due to swelling in his knee during rehabilitation.
Shami has been named in India’s 2025 Champions Trophy squad and is expected to play a big role in the tournament with the ball. With uncertainty surrounding Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness, Shami’s role will be crucial in the tournament.
