Mohammed Shami Makes Comeback to India T20I Squad for England Series
Shami Returns to India Squad for Five T20Is Against England
Fast bowler Mohammed Shami has been named in India’s T20I squad for the upcoming five-match series against England, set to begin on January 22 in Kolkata. This marks his return to the national team after a hiatus that began following the ODI World Cup final in November 2023. Shami had to undergo ankle surgery and also battled knee-related issues during his time away from the squad.
A Promising Comeback for Shami
Shami’s inclusion in the T20I squad is a significant step in his recovery journey. After playing for India in the ODI World Cup final, Shami’s absence was felt, especially with the growing speculation regarding his fitness. However, since returning to domestic cricket in November 2024, Shami showcased his skill, taking 11 wickets in Bengal’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign, proving his readiness for international action once again.
Squad Changes and Updates
The selectors announced the T20I squad, led by Suryakumar Yadav, on Saturday. However, the squad for India’s three-match ODI series against England in February, as well as the provisional 15 for the Champions Trophy, has yet to be revealed. The deadline for the Champions Trophy squad was January 12, but the details have not been made public.
Jasprit Bumrah, one of India’s key bowlers, has not been included in the T20I squad due to ongoing concerns over the nature of his injury. Rishabh Pant, who was India’s first-choice wicketkeeper during the 2024 T20 World Cup, has also been excluded, likely due to rest after his involvement in the Test series in Australia. The T20I squad for the England series will feature wicketkeepers Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel.
India’s T20I Squad for England Series
- Captain: Suryakumar Yadav
- Vice-Captain: Axar Patel
- Wicketkeepers: Sanju Samson, Dhruv Jurel
- Batsmen: Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Rinku Singh
- Allrounders: Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar
- Bowlers: Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakravarthy
Notable Absentees and Injuries
Several players who featured in India’s recent T20I series wins have been left out, including Ramandeep Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Avesh Khan, Yash Dayal, and Vijaykumar Vyshak. They have been replaced by new faces like Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, and Shami.
Riyan Parag, who was recovering from a shoulder injury, was not available for selection, while some of the regular squad members like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill have been rested following the Test series in Australia.
The Road Ahead: India’s Schedule and Strategy
India’s series against England will span five T20Is, taking place across Kolkata, Chennai, Rajkot, Pune, and Mumbai between January 22 and February 2. This will be followed by a three-match ODI series, which will see India facing England in Nagpur (February 6), Cuttack (February 9), and Ahmedabad (February 12). These ODIs are important preparation matches before the Champions Trophy, scheduled to begin on February 19.
Shami’s Return Adds Depth to India’s Pace Attack
Shami’s return is a much-needed boost to India’s pace bowling department, especially with the absence of Bumrah and Pant’s exclusion. His vast experience, combined with his recent domestic performances, will add depth to India’s T20I attack, as the team looks to prepare for the high-profile Champions Trophy and beyond.
India’s IPL-Heavy T20I Squad
India’s squad features a mix of experience and youthful talent, with players like Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, and Washington Sundar offering leadership and firepower in the T20 format. The new faces in the squad, including Dhruv Jurel and Nitish Kumar Reddy, are also expected to make an impact as India looks to fine-tune their T20 strategies in the lead-up to major global tournaments.
