Mohammed Shami injured again? Here's why pacer is not playing in 1st IND vs ENG T20I

The Indian team management sprung a big surprise just ahead of the first T20I between India and England on Wednesday (January 22).

While the entire Indian cricket fraternity was looking forward to the match to see Mohammed Shami's much-awaited return to international cricket, the Indian team management decided against including him in the team.

The senior fast-bowler spent almost a year on the sidelines owing to an ankle injury. He played in the 2023 World Cup while carrying that injury and was sidelined as soon as the tournament ended. He had to undergo surgery as well and eventually returned to competitive cricket in November last year after spending almost a year on the sidelines.

Also Read: 'After Rohit, Gautam Gambhir's next target is Mohammed Shami': Fans baffled as pacer ignored for 1st ENG T20I

Mohammed Shami plied his trade for Bengal in the domestic circuit upon his return to competitive cricket. After playing domestic cricket for a couple of months, he was recalled by the Indian team for the ongoing five-match T20I series against England.

Why is Mohammed Shami not playing?

Not many were expecting Mohammed Shami to not play the first T20I against England. According to reports, the pacer also looked in good rhythm in the nets before the match. The report stated that he bowled at full throttle in the nets for an hour.

Unsurprisingly, the fans were expecting Shami to be a part of the India Playing XI for the series opener. However, the team management left them baffled by opting against including the pacer in the team.

As soon as it was confirmed that Shami is not in the playing eleven, many started worrying that the pacer might not be fully fit yet. Well, the reason behind his non-inclusion is not fitness but team-combination. Mohammed Shami is completely fit as he was seen bowling on the side pitches just before the game started.

Shami is still bowling on one of the side pitches. #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/HyGmnQRXnI

— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) January 22, 2025

Meanwhile, India have opted to bowl first after winning the toss. The hosts have decided to play the game with just one frontline pacer. Arshdeep Singh is the only specialist pacer in the team with Hardik Pandya and Nitish Reddy being the other fast-bowling options.

Talking about the game, England were on 35/2 after 4 overs at the time of writing this report. Arshdeep Singh gave India a flying start by dismissing Phil Salt for a duck in the very first over. In his second over, he dismissed Ben Duckett for 4 to put India in the driver's seat.