Why Mohammed Shami is not playing 1st T20I vs England in Kolkata?

The toss for the 1st T20I match between India and England is done with India captain Suryakumar Yadav winning toss and opting to bowl first. However, the exclusion of returning Mohammed Shami has raised doubts in the mind of many Indian cricket fans.

The 1st T20I match of the 5 match series between India and England is currently being played at the historic Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata where India captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and opted to bowl first.

Team India have named a fairly strong playing XI. However, the most notable exclusion is that of returning Mohammed Shami. The pace bowler is making his return to the Indian team after being long sidelined since the 2023 World Cup due to injury.

Mohammed Shami is one of the crucial member of the Indian pace bowling attack and his exclusion has created doubts on many. While there is update on any fitness concerns, but it is believed that team India have opted to manage his workload.

India will be playing a total of 5 matches and it could be down to the fact that the management want to manage his workload and ease him in down the line.

The fact that Team India is also bowling first, they have gone with 2 pace bowling all-rounders and one pacer in Arshdeep Singh. Team India might not feel the need for Shami for this match especially given team is bowling first. The Men in Blue wouldn’t want any risk to lose Shami to injury again just ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025.