Former India opener Aakash Chopra questions Mohammed Shami's fitness and readiness for India's T20I series against England after his extended absence despite being in the squad. Shami has not played in the first two T20Is,

Mohammed Shami is back. The pacer has been named in the playing XI for the third T20I against England in Rajkot.

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.

Chennai: Unruffled by the lingering fitness concerns surrounding Mohammed Shami, the well-oiled machine that is India's T20 team will be eyeing an encore of its opening game performance against

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.

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.

Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar has underlined the importance of Shami's inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad annoucement in Mumbai on Saturday

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.

Shami's comeback was originally scheduled to take place in India's first T20I against England in Kolkata on Wednesday, but the management postponed it.

The third T20 match between India and England is scheduled to be played in Rajkot. With India leading the series 2-0 after winning the first two games, England faces a must-win situation to stay alive in IND vs ENG T20I series and avoid an early defeat.