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.

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

Mohammed Shami will attract all the eyeballs as the India pacer returns to international cricket after 14 months at his home ground. The India vs England 1st T20I starts at 7 PM IST.

There was a big surprise as far as India's playing XI is concerned with star pacer Mohammed Shami unable to make the cut.

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

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

Fit-again pacer Mohammed Shami's comeback would be keenly watched when the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian T20 team takes on an evenly-matched England in a five-match series starting here on Wednesday, ai