Mohammed Shami's fresh injury confirmed as he misses first IND vs ENG T20I

India National Cricket Team pacer Mohammed Shami didn't feature in the first T20I against the England National Cricket Team. The first game of the five-match T20I series between the teams took place at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Tuesday.

In what was the biggest surprise, Mohammed Shami didn't feature in the XI as the India National Cricket Team went in with three spinners. It was almost certain that the fast bowler would make a return in the match, but his comeback was delayed.

Mohammed Shami, who played the last game for India in the ICC World Cup 2023, was included in the Indian squad to make him ready for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, in the first match, he didn't make his comeback, raising speculation of another injury.

Shami not playing, Not 100% fit for today - Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra also confirmed that Mohammed Shami wasn't fit for the game, pointing out that India chose just one pacer in the team. Sharing his take on his Twitter account, he explained:

"Shami not playing. Not 100% fit for today. India has chosen to play only one frontline pacer in Arshdeep. Hardik-Nitish the two other pace options. England have fielded 4 proper pacers. Both captains see the pitch differently."

Shami not playing. Obviously not 100% fit for today.
India has chosen to play only one frontline pacer in Arshdeep. Hardik-Nitish the two other pace options.
England have fielded 4 proper pacers.
Both captains seeing the pitch differently 🙌 #INDvENG #AakashVani

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 22, 2025

The main target should be Champions Trophy, and getting fit for that - Piyush Chawal on Mohammed Shami

Piyush Chawla also spoke about Mohammed Shami's absence, revealing that the fast bowler was limping in his run-up. He said that the main target of BCCI is the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and if he misses a few games, that is okay. Speaking on Star Sports, he said:

"If you see the run-up, he is still limping a bit. The main target should be Champions Trophy, and getting fit for that. Lots of matches in this series, even if he misses a few games, that is okay."

It was a very important match for him, on his home ground too - 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 couldn't find a place in the team. He said:

"India has selected three spinners. Will they start with spin, that's why maybe he was not picked? It was a very important match for him, on his home ground too."

Thankfully, Mohammed Shami's absence didn't cost India much as they went on to win the first game of the series by the margin of 7 wickets. They bundled out the England National Cricket Team for 132 runs and then chased the target inside 13 overs to go 1-0 up in the series.

With four games more scheduled in the series, it is likely that Mohammed Shami will be playing some part in the series. He also is part of the Indian team for the ODI series against England and the team management would want him to regain his full fitness before that.

Also Read: Watch: Hardik Pandya throws ball at defenseless Jos Buttler as batter collapses during Kolkata T20I