Veteran seamer Mohammed Shami is set to return to international cricket after overcoming a long injury hiatus. Shami, 34, has been included in India’s squad for the five-match T20I series against England, marking his comeback after last appearing in the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia. His return was delayed due to an ankle injury requiring surgery in the UK and subsequent knee swelling, which kept him out of India’s previous engagements, including the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
The T20I series will begin in Kolkata on January 22 and will also feature games in Chennai, Rajkot, Pune, and Mumbai, concluding on February 2. Shami’s inclusion is seen as a strategic move to integrate him into the Champions Trophy squad gradually; hence, he will not participate in all five matches against England.
Suryakumar Yadav will captain the 15-member team, with Axar Patel serving as vice-captain. The squad sees changes from the South Africa series, with Ramandeep Singh being substituted by Nitish Kumar Reddy, while Avesh Khan and Yash Dayal make way for Shami and Harshit Rana. Dhruv Jurel replaces wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma.
Notably absent is Shubman Gill, who was the vice-captain post the last T20 World Cup but has not been selected for the series. The batting order is expected to feature Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal as openers, followed by Tilak Varma and captain Yadav. Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh are set to provide strength in the middle order, with Axar Patel following.
Arshdeep Singh will join Shami in leading the pace attack, with support from Pandya as the third seamer. The spin department will rely on Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi, setting up a dynamic combination for the upcoming series. Following the T20Is, India will engage England in a three-match ODI series starting February 6.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/01/12/shami-returns-to-indian-team/
Category : SPORTS
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Publish Date: 2025-01-12 03:10:00
