Mohammed Shami was left out of India’s playing XI for the first T20 against England on Wednesday. While he was expected to make the playing XI on Wednesday, Abhishek Sharma said that it was the team management’s call given the conditions.

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

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.

The question remains whether problem of a swelling left knee after each rigorous session is still causing problems for the veteran pacer.

After all the build-up and anticipation, Mohammed Shami didn't play the first T20I against England in Kolkata on Wednesday, January 22. Arshdeep Singh was the sole pure pace bowling option for India with Hardik Pandya and Nitish Reddy for support and three bowlers in the spin department.

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?

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.