Team India kicked off a five-match T20I series against England with a seven-wicket win in the opening match at the Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata on Wednesday, January 22. With a target of 133 set by Jos Buttler’s side,

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?

Shami’s omission from India’s playing XI in the first T20I sparked a debate across social media and news platforms.

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.

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.

KOLKATA, India (AP) — India won the toss and chose to bowl first in the series-opening T20 against England's cricketers in Kolkata on Wednesday. Mohammed Shami missed out for India despite the fast bowler being available after more than a year on the sidelines. India is the reigning world champion at the T20 format.

India will chase in the first T20I against England after Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and opted to give his bowlers first go on a "sticky" Kolkata pitch, with dew expected to be a major factor in the second innings.