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India kicked off their five-match T20I series against England at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Wednesday, January 22. After winning the toss, Suryakumar Yadav opted to field first, but one decision left fans and experts scratching their heads—Mohammed Shami’s exclusion from the playing XI despite being fit and available.
Shami, who returned to the Indian squad after missing the entire 2024 season due to a heel injury and knee swelling, was expected to feature prominently in the match. However, India went with Arshdeep Singh as the sole frontline pacer, alongside a spin-heavy attack. Here’s a closer look at the possible reasons behind Shami’s absence:
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1. Managing Fitness Ahead of the Champions Trophy
With the Champions Trophy 2025 just around the corner, starting in less than a month, the Indian management may have opted to tread carefully with Shami’s workload. While he has reportedly regained match fitness, the selectors might be wary of overexerting the veteran pacer, especially given his history of knee injuries.
During a recent practice session, Shami was seen wearing knee braces, suggesting that the management is closely monitoring his condition.
2. Reports of a Hamstring Pull
According to some reports, Shami may have suffered a minor hamstring strain during the final practice session. This could have forced the Indian think-tank to make a last-minute adjustment to the playing XI to ensure his long-term availability.
3. Tactical Decisions on Team Composition
India fielded a spin-heavy attack, with three spinners—Ravi Bishnoi, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakaravarthy—in the lineup. Eden Gardens is known to provide some assistance to spinners, and the team management may have chosen to back this strategy.
Shami’s exclusion could also be part of a broader tactical plan under head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav to stick with a winning combination. Arshdeep Singh has been in fine form and offers variety with his left-arm pace, making him a suitable pick for the team balance.
4. Missed Opportunity on a Pace-Assisting Track
Eden Gardens has historically favored seamers with its early swing and bounce, making Shami’s absence even more surprising. The veteran pacer has a proven record of exploiting such conditions, and fans were eager to see him in action. However, the management’s decision to bench him suggests a cautious approach, possibly driven by concerns over his fitness or a long-term view of his role in upcoming tournaments.
What Lies Ahead for Shami?
While Shami’s absence in the first T20I disappointed fans, it is likely a temporary move to ensure he remains fully fit for critical fixtures, particularly the Champions Trophy. His return to the squad after a prolonged absence indicates the team’s belief in his abilities, and he is expected to feature in the remaining matches of the England series as the management carefully integrates him back into the fold.
India will look to make the most of their resources as they gear up for a packed cricketing calendar, with the Champions Trophy being a major focus. For now, fans can hope to see Shami in action soon, as the pacer continues to work his way back into the playing XI.
