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The absence of India fast bowler Mohammed Shami in the first T20I against England raised some eyebrows. The 34-year-old quick was expected to make a comeback to international cricket during this match, but he did not play.
Former Indian 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 career and was expected to play. However, the team management did not play him.
The former India opener also surmised that Shami is not fully fit, which is the main reason why he is not playing the match. He feels that Shami’s fitness is important for the Indian team as he is one of the important bowlers for the team.
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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 did not play despite scoring his career, which raises questions about his fitness.
“It’s a massive issue. It’s huge for all of us because nobody is saying anything. Something might have been said in the (post-match) press conference but I’m not aware of it at the time of the recording. Where is (Mohammed) Shami , what are you doing?” Chopra said.
“He had huge leg straps. He had scored his run and we thought he would definitely play, but Shami didn’t play. Shami’s game is critical to everyone’s health, yours, mine and the team’s Indian,” he said. noted
Notably, Shami was expected to make a comeback to international cricket through this match, but India opted to play with three spinners and Arshdeep Singh as the only specialist fast bowler.. Hardik Pandya was used as second gear with the new ball.
Why didn’t Mohammed Shami play?
Aakash Chopra feels that Mohammed Shami was not 100 percent fit and that is why he did not play the match. He feels India would have gone with Shami had he been fully fit to play.
“He’s gone one game and there’s only four left. He didn’t play the first game, and if he didn’t play, the only meaning is that he wasn’t 100 percent. If he’d been fit, no excuse. It would work, that he pitch was not good, you wanted to play spinner, you also wanted to play Ravi Bishnoi and I wanted to go with three spinners,” said Chopra.
Mohammed Shami’s return was much awaited among Indian fans as it will be crucial for India’s chances in the Champions Trophy and the upcoming series. However, he did not play and the team management did not give a clear answer about his absence.
Mohammed Shami’s last international match
Mohammed Shami has not played an international match since the 2023 ODI World Cup 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, missing out on the IPL 204 season and the T20 World Cup 2024.. He was expected to make an international return in India’s home Test season, but his return was delayed due to knee inflammation during rehabilitation..
Shami has been named in India’s squad for Champions Trophy 2025 and is expected to play a big role in the tournament with the ball. With Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness hanging in the balance, Shami’s role will be key in the tournament.
