Indian national cricket team pacer Mohammad Shami did not feature in the first T20I match against England national cricket team. The first match of the five-match T20I series between the two teams takes place at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Tuesday.

The most surprising thing is that Mohammad Shami is not included in the XI as the Indian national cricket team has only three players of spin. The fast bowler was almost certain to return in the tournament but his return has been delayed.

Mohammed Shami, who played his last match for India in the 2023 ICC World Cup, has been included in the Indian squad to prepare for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. However, he did not return for Game 1, raising speculation of another injury.

Shami did not play and was not 100% today – Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra also confirmed that Mohammad Shami is not fit to play and pointed out that the Indian team has selected only one pacer. He shared his thoughts on his Twitter account, explaining:

“Shami did not play. Not 100% fit today. India chose to field only one frontline pacer in Arshdeep. Hardik Nitish was the other two pacers. England fielded 4 fit Pacers. The two captains have different views on the court.”

Shami doesn’t play ball. Obviously not 100% suitable for today.
India opted to field just one frontline pacer in Ashdeep. Hardik-Nitish are the other two speed options.
England fielded 4 fit pacers.
The two captains have different views on the pitch🙌 #INVENG #akashwani

— Akash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 22, 2025

The main goal should be the trophy and be ready for it – Piyush Chawal on Mohammed Shami

Piyush Chawla also spoke about the absence of Mohammed Shami and revealed that the fast bowler was limping during his run-up. He said that BCCI’s main target is the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and it doesn’t matter if he misses a few games. He said in an interview with “Star Sports”:

“If you see the run-up, he’s still a little lame. The main goal should be the trophy and be ready for that. There are a lot of games in this series and even if he misses a few games, it doesn’t matter.”

This is a very important game for him and at his home ground too – Suresh Raina on Mohammad Shami

Star Sports member Suresh Raina claimed that the Indian team might have considered the pitch to be spin-friendly and hence Mohammed Shami could not find a place in the team. He said:

“India have selected three spinners. Will they start with spin? Is that why he was not selected? This is a very important game for him and at his home ground as well.”

Thankfully, Mohammad Shami’s absence did not take a huge toll on India and they won the first game of the series by 7 wickets. They defeated England’s national cricket team by 132 runs and then chased down the target in 13 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

With four more games scheduled in the series, Mohammad Shami is likely to play some role in the series. He is also part of India’s ODI series against England and the team management wants him to be fully fit before then.

Also read: Watch: Hardik Pandya bowls to defenseless Jos Buttler, batsman falls during T20I match in Kolkata