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.

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?

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

Ironically, the seemingly fit-again 34-year-old pacer bowled for close to half an hour at the side nets, targeting stumps, even as Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav announced the playing XI vs England

Mohammed Shami brings class and experience with him and naturally, the Indian team management is happy with his return.

Piyush Chawla backed India's decision to bench Mohammed Shami, while Suresh Raina reckoned it was a tactical call

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.

Why is Mohammed Shami not playing 1st T20I against England 2025? (Source: BCCI/twitter/X) India's Strategy for the 1st T20I: Suryakumar Yadav Opts to Bowl First The first T20I of the five-match series between and England will be played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday,

Mohammed Shami will play his first international match in the first T20I against England since ODI World Cup 2023 final