Mystery around pacer’s exclusion from India’s playing XI Kolkata, Jan 22: Mohammed Shami’s much-anticipated comeback will be further delayed as the Indian pacer was not named in India’s playing eleven for the first T20I against England,

Former Indian pacer Irfan Pathan backed the team management's decision to exclude Mohammed Shami from the playing XI for the first ODI against England in Kolkata.

The 34-year-old is returning to the national team for the first time since the 2023 Cricket World Cup final after an extended period away from the game.

In a blow to the Indian cricket team, fast bowler Mohammed Shami was left out of the Playing XI for the first match of the five-game T20I series against England being held at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The decision has dampened hopes of Shami's much-awaited return to international cricket.

India has won the toss and elected to bowl first in the series-opening T20 against England's cricketers in Kolkata. Mohammed Shami missed out for India despite the fast bowler being available after more than a year on the sidelines.

Former India player Aakash Chopra has questioned why Mohammed Shami wasn't part of the Men in Blue's playing XI for the first T20I against England in Kolkata on Wednesday, January 22.

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?

President Snehasish Ganguly has expressed his enthusiasm for Mohammed Shamis return to the field. Shami, who has made a remarkable comeback after a year, is set to play in front of an eager Kolkata crowd.

Mohammed Shami misses out on Team India's playing XI for the first T20I against England at Eden Gardens due to fitness concerns over his left knee.

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami is set to return to the national fold with the three-match T20I series against England, for the first time since the World Cup 2023 final. Shami had a lengthy first session with the Indian team in 14 months as he bowled his heart out.

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