Was Mohammed Shami not fit? Wasn't the whole idea of picking Shami for the England T20Is to give him match practice for the Champions Trophy?

Ironically, the seemingly fit-again 34-year-old pacer bowled for close to half an hour at the side nets, targeting stumps, even as Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav announced the playing XI vs England

Shami’s omission from India’s playing XI in the first T20I sparked a debate across social media and news platforms.

Mohammed Shami's return to India's T20 team was postponed as the team management decided he wasn't suitable for the Eden Gardens pitch conditions against England. Despite being fit and bowling in the nets,

India has won the toss and elected to bowl first in the series-opening T20 against England’s cricketers in Kolkata

The 34-year-old is returning to the national team for the first time since the 2023 Cricket World Cup final after an extended period away from the game.

India pacer Mohammed Shami's return to international cricket will have to wait for some more time after he was left out of India's playing XI against England for the 1st T20I on Wednesday (Jan 22). Shami last played for India in ODI World Cup 2023 final on November 19 at home which India lost to Australia.

Mohammed Shami was not picked in the playing XI for the match against England in Kolkata as the team management preferred three spinners as part of combination.

Mohammed Shami will play his first international match in the first T20I against England since ODI World Cup 2023 final

Fit-again pacer Mohammed Shami's comeback would be keenly watched when the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian T20 team takes on an evenly-matched England in a five-match series starting here on Wednesday, ai