Indian national cricket team pacer Mohammed Shami did not appear in the first T20I against the England national cricket team. The first game of the five-match T20I series between those TEAMS was held at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Tuesday.
In what was the biggest surprise, Mohammed Shami did not feature in the playing XI as the Indian national cricket team entered with three wheels. 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, was included in the Indian squad to prepare them for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, in the first match, he did not return, picking up. speculation of another injury.
Shami not playing, not 100% fit for today – Aakash Chopra
Akash Chopra also confirmed that Mohammed Shami was not fit for the game, pointing out that India had only picked one pacer in the squad. Sharing his thoughts on his Twitter account, he explained:
“Shami is not playing. He is not 100% fit for today. India chose to play only one pacer in the front line in Arshdeep. Hardik-Nitish the other two pace options. England sent 4 suitable pacers. Both captains see the pitch differently .”
Shami is not playing. Obviously, it is not 100% suitable for today.
India chose to play only one pacer in the front line in Arshdeep. Hardik-Nitish the other two pace options.
England fielded 4 proper pacers.
Both captains see the pitch differently 🙌 #INdVENG #AakaShVanand— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) JanuaRy 22, 2025
The main target should be Champions Trophy and preparation 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. He said that BCCI's main target is ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and if they miss a few games, that is fine. Speaking to Star Sports, he said:
“If you see the stage, he is still limping a bit. The main target should be the Champions Trophy and fit for that. A lot of games in this series, even if he misses a few games, that's fine.”
It was a very important match for him, and on his home ground – Suresh Raina on Mohammed Shami
Suresh Raina, who was part of Star Sports, claimed that India might have found the pitch spin-friendly and hence Mohammed Shami did not find a place in the team. He said:
“India have selected three spinners. They will start with spin, maybe that's why he wasn't picked? It was a very important match for him, and on his home ground.”
Fortunately, the absence of Mohammed Shami did not cost India much as they won the first game of the series by a margin of 7 wickets. They bundled out the England national cricket team for 132 runs and then chased down the target in 13 overs to go 1-0 up in the series.
With four more games scheduled in the series, Mohammed Shami is likely to play a 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 full fitness before that.