Indian national cricket team pacer Mohammed Shami did not feature in the first T20I against England national cricket team. The first match of the five-match T20I series between the teams was played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Tuesday.
In what was the biggest surprise, Mohammed Shami did not feature in the XI as the Indian national cricket team went in with three spinners. It was almost certain that the fast bowler would return to the match, but his return was delayed.
Mohammed Shami, who played the last match for India in the ICC World Cup 2023, has been included in the Indian squad to be ready for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, he did not return for the first match, raising speculation of another injury.
Shami not playing, not 100% fit for today – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra also confirmed that Mohammed Shami was not fit to play, pointing out that India had only picked one pacer in the squad. Sharing his thoughts on his Twitter account, he explained:
“Shami not playing. Not 100% fit for today. India chose to play only one front row player in Arshdeep. Hardik-Nitish two other pace options. England fielded 4 proper players. Both captains see the field differently.”
Shami is not playing. Obviously not 100% suitable for today.
India chose to play only one front line in Arshdeep. Hardik-Nitish other two pace options.
England fielded 4 real pacers.
Both captains see the field differently 🙌 #INDvENG #AakashVani— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 22, 2025
The main goal should be the Champions Trophy and training for it – Piyush Chawal on Mohammed Shami
Piyush Chawla also spoke about Mohammed Shami’s absence, revealing that the fast bowler was limping in the run-up. He said BCCI’s main target is the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 and if he misses a few matches, that’s fine. Speaking on Star Sports, he said:
“If you see the run-up, he’s still limping a bit. The main goal should be the Champions Trophy and getting fit for that. A lot of matches in this series, even if he misses a few games, that’s fine.”
It was a very important match for him, at home too – Suresh Raina vs Mohammed Shami
Suresh Raina, who was part of Star Sports, claimed that India might have found the spin on the pitch conducive to the game and therefore Mohammed Shami could not find a place in the team. he said:
“India have picked three spinners. Will they start with spin, maybe that’s why he wasn’t picked? It was a very important match for him, also at home.”
Fortunately, Mohammed Shami’s absence did not cost India much as they won the first match of the series by 7 wickets. They bundled out the English cricket team for 132 runs and then chased down the target in 13 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
With four matches left in the series, it is likely that Mohammed Shami will play some role in the series. He is also part of the Indian squad for the ODI series against England and the team management would like him to regain his full fitness before then.
