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Aakash Chopra Questions Mohammed Shami’s Absence in England
By CricShots - Jan 23, 2025 5:05 pm
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Despite the anticipation surrounding Mohammed Shami’s international comeback ahead of the first T20I against England, the pacer did not feature in the playing XI. This omission surprised fans, especially as Shami had participated in the practice session leading up to the game at Eden Gardens. Former cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra suggested that Shami’s absence was likely due to him not being fully fit according to the team management.

Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami

“One match has passed, and only four are left. If Shami didn’t play the first game, the only plausible reason is that he wasn’t 100 percent fit. If he was fit, no other excuse—whether it’s the pitch conditions or team composition—would hold,” Akash Chopra remarked in a video on his YouTube channel.

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Aakash Chopra expressed concerns about Shami’s path to reclaiming his regular spot in the national setup, particularly with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon. “I’m a little worried. With just four matches left and quick turnarounds between games, the toll of traveling can add up. If he didn’t play, it means he’s still not fully fit, which is something to be concerned about,” he added.

Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra

Interestingly, during the toss, Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav did not address Shami’s exclusion directly. Instead, he focused on India’s deep player pool, calling it “a good headache” for the team. Despite Shami’s absence, India secured a dominant seven-wicket victory, chasing down the target with 43 deliveries to spare.

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All eyes are now on Shami’s potential participation in the remaining matches of the series. For context, Shami last played for India in the 2023 Cricket World Cup before an ankle injury sidelined him. His recent domestic appearances for Bengal showed promise, with the pacer seemingly back to his free-flowing best. However, his fitness and readiness for the international stage remain under scrutiny.

Mohammed Shami’s return will be crucial for India’s pace attack as they prepare for upcoming high-stakes tournaments. Fans and pundits alike will closely watch his journey to full fitness and his impact in the remaining games of the series.