The first Twenty20 International at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens saw Mohammed Shami make his comeback to international cricket after a 14-month absence, with India facing England. In November 2023, he played his final game for India in the ODI World Cup final. In the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, he played his final Twenty20 International. One of the most important occurrences in Indian cricket was Shami’s comeback to international cricket a few weeks prior to the Champions Trophy, when Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness was under doubt. However, the selectors left Shami out of India’s starting XI for their match against England on Wednesday. India only brought in Arshdeep Singh, a specialist fast bowler, along with seam bowling all-rounders Nitish Kumnar Reddy and Hardik Pandya.

However, why? Was he unfit? So why was he chosen at all? The purpose of selecting Shami for T20Is was to provide him with match preparation for the Champions Trophy, right? In contrast, England entered with four quick bowlers with specialized skills. Akash Chopra, a former India opener, insisted that Shami had not fully recovered.
“Shami isn’t participating. Not really suitable for today, of course. Arshdeep is the sole frontline pacer that India has decided to use. The other two pace alternatives are Hardik and Nitish. England had four good pacers on the field. Aakash Chopra posted on X, “Both captains have different perspectives on the field.”
Shami did not appear to be in any discomfort to the unaided eye, despite not rushing in at full power. Yes, he did bowl during Wednesday’s pre-toss warm-ups. That essentially rules out the unsuitable theory. So why didn’t he play against England in the first game of the series?
Even though it may seem unbelievable, India’s actions were solely tactical. Suryakumar Yadav, the captain, responded, “We wanted to stick to our strengths,” when questioned about India’s choice to field three spinners on a track that offered plenty of opportunities for pacers.
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