Mohammed Shami was left out of India’s playing XI for the fourth T20I against England in Pune after a much-anticipated return to international cricket. He made a comeback in the third T20I at Rajkot—his first game since November 2023, and it would be only three overs and back on the bench, without picking a wicket, questioning whether he could do the immediate trick.
For the fourth T20I, India decided to recall Arshdeep Singh, who had been rested for the Rajkot game in favour of Shami. With India taking a 3-1 lead in the five-match series, fans were curious about the veteran pacer’s omission. Bowling coach Morne Morkel addressed the decision, revealing that Shami remains in strong contention for the final T20I in Mumbai.
“Shami has been bowling really well,” Morne Morkel assured during a post-match media interaction. “Even in warm-ups, he’s been hitting the glove hard. We’re very happy with how he’s progressing.”
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He further hinted at the possibility of Shami getting another opportunity in the series finale, stating, “He’ll probably get a chance in the next game. We’ll see how things shape up. But having him back in the squad is a massive boost for this young bowling unit. His experience and knowledge at training sessions are invaluable for Indian cricket.”
Shami has taken a very long road to getting back into the international game. Following his breakthrough stint in India’s 2023 ODI World Cup campaign, for which he ended as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, he had to undergo ankle surgery, keeping him off the field for almost a year.
Mohammed Shami started regaining his match fitness gradually through the domestic circuit: with Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and then the Vijay Hazare Trophy. At one point, Shami had been pencilled to join the Indian team that tours Australia in December, but a knee niggle pushed the return further into the future.
Despite the setbacks, he remains an integral part of India’s plans, having been included in the squads for the upcoming one-day series against England and the Champions Trophy later this month. With the final T20I looming, all eyes will be on whether India gives the seasoned pacer another outing before the high-profile tournaments ahead.
