Gautam Gambhir INTERROGATED after Mohammed Shami misses IND vs ENG 1st T20

India fast bowler Mohammed Shami's absence from the first T20I against England raised a few eyebrows. The 34-year-old quick was expected to make a comeback in international cricket through this match but he didn't play.

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra raised questions about the team management's decision not to play Shami in this match. Chopra claimed that Shami had marked his run-up and was expected to play. However, the team management didn't play him.

The former India opener also assumed that Shami is not fully fit which is the main reason for him not playing the match. He feels that Shami's fitness is important for Team India as he is one of the important bowlers for the team.

Also read: Krunal Pandya claims stakes for Hardik Pandya to become India captain

Aakash Chopra breaks 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 didn't play despite marking his run-up which raises questions over his fitness.

"It's a massive topic. It is huge for all of us because no one is saying anything. Something might have been said in the (post-match) press conference but I am not aware of it at the time of recording. Where is (Mohammed) Shami? What are you doing?" Chopra said.

"He had huge strappings on his legs. He had marked his run-up and we thought he would definitely play, but Shami didn't play. Shami playing is critical to everyone's health, yours, mine, and the Indian team's," he noted.

It is notable that Shami was expected to make a comeback in international cricket through this match but India opted to play three spinners and Arshdeep Singh as the lone specialist fast bowler. Hardik Pandya was used as the second seamer with the new ball.

Why didn't Mohammed Shami play?

Aakash Chopra reckons that Mohammed Shami wasn't 100 percent fit which is why he didn't play the match. He feels that India would have gone with Shami had he been fully fit to play.

"One match has passed and only four are left. He hasn't played the first match, and if he hasn't played, the only meaning of that is he wasn't 100 percent fit. If he had been fit, no excuse would work, that the pitch wasn't good, you wanted to play spin, you wished to play Ravi Bishnoi as well, and wanted to go with three spinners" Chopra said.

Mohammed Shami's comeback was highly anticipated among Indian fans as he will be crucial to India's chances in the Champions Trophy and the upcoming series. However, he didn't play and the team management didn't give a clear reply on his absence.

Mohammed Shami's last international match

Mohammed Shami hasn't played an international match since the ODI World Cup 2023 final in November against Australia. He suffered an injury during the ODI World Cup but continued to play in severe pain.

He finally went under the knife in early 2024 due to which he missed the IPL 204 season and the T20 World Cup 2024. He was expected to make an international comeback in India's home Test season but his return was delayed due to swelling on his knee during rehabilitation.

Shami has been named in India's squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 and is expected to play a big role in the tournament with the ball. With suspense over Jasprit Bumrah's fitness, Shami's role will be key in the tournament.