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Mohammed ShamiThe long-awaited return to international cricket took an unexpected turn as he did not feature in the first match of the ongoing match. T20I series against England at Eden Gardens, Calcutta.
Shami, who has recently recovered from a long-term ankle injury, was included in the squad, raising hopes among fans to see the right-arm fast bowler back in action. Despite India’s comfortable seven-wicket win, fans expressed their disappointment at Shami’s absence from the field. Ancient Indian spinner Piyush Chawla reflected on the matter, providing insight into Shami’s fitness and the team’s decision-making.
Mohammed Shami’s long road to recovery
Shami last represented India in the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 end against Australia. His cricketing journey was cut short by an ankle injury that required surgery and a prolonged rehabilitation period. After 14 months of recovery, Shami was included in the squads for the five-match T20I series and the three-match ODI series against England. He has also been named in India Champions Trophy 2025 team, with the tournament to be held from February 19 to March 9, 2025, in a hybrid format co-organized by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
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“The Champions Trophy is the priority”: Piyush Chawla
Former Indian spinner Chawla explained that Shami’s absence from the playing eleven in the first T20I was due to fitness issues. He observed Shami limping through his run in the nets, suggesting the team’s focus should be on getting him fit for the Champions Trophy. The leg-spinner stressed that losing a few matches in the series would be acceptable if it helped Shami regain full form.
“If you see the race, he’s still limping a little bit. The main goal should be the Champions Trophy and getting fit for that. A lot of games in this series, even if he misses a few games, that’s fine.” Chawla said while talking to the broadcaster as quoted by Hindustan Times.
