NEW DELHI: Fast bowler Mohammed Shami has made a much-anticipated return to India’s T20I squad for the upcoming five-match series against England, beginning January 22 in Kolkata. Shami, 34, last played a T20I in November 2022 and has been sidelined due to a heel surgery that kept him out of action for over a year.
Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra highlighted Shami’s return as a critical moment for India’s preparation ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy later this year. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra remarked, “Mohammed Shami is back. He is fit. And looks like the preparation for the Champions Trophy is on. It’s a five-match series, and if he remains fit and in form, he could be going to Dubai for the Champions Trophy.”
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Shami, who missed India’s 3-1 Test series loss in Australia, has been gradually regaining match fitness through domestic cricket. His return to the squad signals the selectors’ confidence in his readiness for international cricket. Chopra, however, cautioned that Shami’s performance will hinge on his fitness. “It will be interesting to see how his fitness holds up, as the workload and pressure of international cricket are very different from any other cricket,” Chopra added.
The series also marks the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, who is recovering from an injury sustained during the final Test against Australia. Chopra expressed concerns over the lack of clarity about Bumrah’s fitness. “There is no news about Jasprit Bumrah – his availability, fitness, nothing. Even if Bumrah is available, we need Shami in the side. It’s becoming difficult for Bumrah to spearhead the attack alone. That’s why we need Shami fit, playing, and in form,” he said.
Shami’s return comes at a critical juncture as Team India seeks to strengthen its pace attack for major upcoming tournaments. Chopra stressed the importance of Shami’s impact during the England series, stating, “He should play these five T20Is and take wickets. It’s all about form and fitness; there is no question about his pedigree.”
White-ball star Suryakumar Yadav will lead the squad, while Axar Patel will serve as vice-captain. Shami’s return is expected to bolster the bowling lineup, particularly with Bumrah’s availability for the Champions Trophy still uncertain.
India T20 squad for England series:
- Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel (vice-capt), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel (wk).
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