The biggest news coming in to the series was that Mohammed Shami was named in the India squad for the first time since the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, he was not featured in the playing XI in the first match in Kolkata.

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?

After all the build-up and anticipation, Mohammed Shami didn't play the first T20I against England in Kolkata on Wednesday, January 22. Arshdeep Singh was the sole pure pace bowling option for India with Hardik Pandya and Nitish Reddy for support and three bowlers in the spin department.

Mohammed Shami's return to India's T20 team was postponed as the team management decided he wasn't suitable for the Eden Gardens pitch conditions agai

India has won the toss and elected to bowl first in the series-opening T20 against England’s cricketers in Kolkata

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

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.

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.

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

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