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?

He eventually returned to competitive cricket in the Ranji Trophy, leading Bengal to their first win of the season with a seven-wicket haul. He followed it up with strong performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (11 wickets) and the Vijay Hazare Trophy (five wickets).

In a blow to the Indian cricket team, fast bowler Mohammed Shami was left out of the Playing XI for the first match of the five-game T20I series against England being held at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The decision has dampened hopes of Shami's much-awaited return to international cricket.

Shami was not included in the playing XI for the first T20I in Kolkata. Fans were left disappointed again in the 2nd T20I, as he remained absent from the lineup.

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.

India has won the toss and elected to bowl first in the series-opening T20 against England's cricketers in Kolkata. Mohammed Shami missed out for India despite the fast bowler being available after more than a year on the sidelines.

Rajkot: India pacer Mohammed Shami made his much-awaited comeback as captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and opted to field against England in their third T20I at the Niranjan Shah Stadium here Tuesday.

Mohammed Shami's ex-wife Hasin Jahan posted a video on social media ahead of the Team India pacer's return to international cricket in first T20 against England.

Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar has underlined the importance of Shami's inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad annoucement in Mumbai on Saturday

Star batter Rinku Singh, who was rested due to back spasms, is all set to make a comeback in the Pune game tonight vs England.

Suryakumar Yadav's men won the first two games in Kolkata and Chennai before England pulled one back in Rajkot.