Mohammed Shami’s continued absence from the ongoing T20I series against England has raised eyebrows, fueling speculations about his fitness and role in the team. The experienced Indian pacer has not featured in either of the first two games in Kolkata and Chennai, and he is also expected to miss the third T20I in Rajkot. However, Shami’s omission is part of a larger strategy by the Indian team management.
Shami Preserved for ODIs and ICC Champions Trophy
Contrary to popular belief, Shami is fully fit and match-ready. His exclusion from the T20I squad is not due to lingering fitness concerns but rather a conscious decision to preserve him for the upcoming 50-over format matches. With Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the ICC Champions Trophy still uncertain, the management is carefully managing Shami’s workload to ensure he remains in peak condition for high-stakes tournaments.
According to reports, Shami has regained his fitness, shedding 2 kilograms gained during his rehabilitation and bowling at full intensity. Despite his readiness, the team believes his services are not as crucial in T20Is at the moment. “Shami is being used judiciously to avoid any injury setbacks, ensuring he is fully fit for the ODIs,” stated a report by the Times of India.
India’s Winning Streak in T20Is
India’s dominant performances in the first two T20Is under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav and coach Gautam Gambhir have further reduced the need to alter the playing XI. With victories in Kolkata and Chennai, the team is unlikely to experiment with their successful combination for the third match in Rajkot.
A Long Road to Recovery
Shami’s journey back to international cricket has been far from smooth. Since sustaining an ankle injury during the 2023 World Cup final, Shami underwent surgery and an extended period of rehabilitation. Initially, he was expected to return during India’s home season, but setbacks delayed his comeback. He missed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and featured only in domestic tournaments such as the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Fans grew increasingly impatient as no official updates were provided by the BCCI regarding Shami’s progress. However, he was eventually included in the squad for the T20Is, ODIs, and the ICC Champions Trophy.
Looking Ahead: Shami’s Impact in ODIs
As India prepares for the ODI series and the Champions Trophy, Shami’s return will be a significant boost. Known for his outstanding performances in ICC tournaments, Shami was the leading wicket-taker for India in the 2023 World Cup and the second-highest in 2019. With a proven track record, his inclusion in the ODI squad ensures that India’s pace attack will be at full strength when it matters most.
While his absence in the T20Is may disappoint some fans, the decision to manage Shami’s workload is a smart move, keeping the bigger picture in mind. For now, the focus remains on maintaining his fitness and readiness for crucial upcoming tournaments.
