Mohammed Shami has finally returned to international cricket in a big way as he has been named in India’s T20I squad for the England series. Shami returns after a series of injuries that had kept him out since the final of the ODI World Cup in November 2023. Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant has been left out of the squad and Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel have been named as the two wicketkeepers in the squad.
Shami, who had surgery for a heel injury last year and missed several key tournaments, including the IPL and T20 World Cup, has shown great form in the domestic circuit. His performances in the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and Vijay Hazare Trophy ensured his place in India’s squad for the T20I series against England. The veteran pacer is expected to add firepower to the bowling lineup.
Rishabh Pant’s Absence Stirs Controversy
Rishabh Pant’s absence has raised eyebrows, as he last played a T20I against Sri Lanka. Dhruv Jurel, who has featured in two T20Is for India, joins as a backup wicketkeeper. Samson is likely to retain his place in the starting XI, providing stability at the top of the order.
Led by Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian team for the T20I series against England has a good balance of experience and fresh faces. Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, and Harshit Rana, who were part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad, have been retained. Axar Patel will be the vice-captain, bringing all-round expertise to the team.
The five-match T20I series against England commences on 22 January at Kolkata. With big guns rested, this series offers the emerging lot to come forward as India would face a potent English side.
India’s T20I Squad for England Series:
Suryakumar Yadav (C), Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel (vc), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel (wk).
Also, see: Big blow to India ahead of T20I series against England, Mayank Yadav to miss out