Mohammed Shami had the maximum spotlight on him from time India's squad for the T20Is against England was named. The impactful pacer did not play a single game since the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia as injury kept delaying his comeback. He even underwent an ankle surgery before a knee problem saw him missing the Border Gavaskar Trophy. But he made a decent return in domestic cricket and was even named in the Champions Trophy squad. However, Shami did not find a place in the Indian team for the first T20I against England.
Former India opener Aakash Chopra opined that Mohammed Shami may not be 100 per cent fit.
“Shami not playing. Obviously not 100% fit for today. India has chosen to play only one frontline pacer in Arshdeep. Hardik-Nitish the two other pace options. England have fielded 4 proper pacers. Both captains seeing the pitch differently??” he wrote on
Shami not playing. Obviously not 100% fit for today.
India has chosen to play only one frontline pacer in Arshdeep. Hardik-Nitish the two other pace options.
England have fielded 4 proper pacers.
Both captains seeing the pitch differently #INDvENG #AakashVani— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 22, 2025
At the toss, India captain Suryakumar Yadav did not specifically talk about Shami's absence but mentioned played to one's strength.
“We will look to bowl first. The wicket looks sticky, there will be dew later on. It will be heavier later on. The boys have been amazing. The preparations have been good, looking forward to this series. It's going to be a Great competition between both sides, we want to stick to our strengths.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and elected to bowl in the first T20I of the five-match series against England at the iconic Eden Gardens on Wednesday. With four consecutive series triumphs, India boasts a remarkable record against England in T20I format. Under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, the Men in Blue will be keen to lay the foundation of extending their record in Kolkata.
England captain Jos Buttler said during the time of the toss, “Looks a good wicket, I'm sure it's going to be a good match. There will be some dew around. It's a great ground, it's an honor to play against India in It's nice to be together, he has a lot of experience. are right up for it. There is some incredible talent in both sides, Brydon Carse and Rehan Ahmed will miss out.
Topics mentioned in this article
Bonus up to:
₹10,000
Welcome Package
* New customers only. can get a 100% match bonus up to ₹10,000 on their first deposit.
New players only. Welcome Bonus - 100% bonus on your first deposit up to ₹10000. IQ Pari offers a variety of bonuses and promotions to its Indian customers. These bonuses can help you boost your bankroll and increase your chances of winning. However, it is important to read the terms and conditions carefully before claiming any bonus.
Get up to:
100% Bonus
Up to first ₹50,000
* New customers only.
New players only. Welcome Bonus: bigboost also offers a 50% bonus up to ₹25,000 on 2nd deposit. This bonus is subject to the same wagering requirement as the slot machine bonus.
Get up to:
100% Bonus
on the first deposit
up to 20,000 INR
* New customers only.
New players only. Register with Megapari and receive a 100% bonus to the maximum amount of 20,000 INR on the first deposit!
Get up to:
200% Bonus
Up to first ₹10,000
* New customers only.
New players only. Welcome Bonus: Davegas also offers a 200% bonus up to ₹10,000 for live casino games. This bonus is subject to the same wagering requirement as the slot machine bonus.
Bonus up to:
₹25000
Welcome Package
* 125% match bonus up to ₹25,000 on your first deposit.
New players only. Welcome Bonus: 125% match bonus up to ₹25,000 on your first deposit, if you deposit within the first hour of registering. 250 free spins on the slot game Starburst, if you deposit Rs. 15 or more within the first hour of registering
Get up to:
100% bonus up to ₹40,000
You can claim a 100% bonus up to ₹40,000 on your first deposit, plus 200 wager-free free spins on the popular slot game Book of Dead.
New players only. Welcome Bonus - Luckydreams Casino is offering a generous welcome bonus to new players from India. You can claim a 100% bonus up to ₹40,000 on your first deposit, plus 200 wager-free free spins on the popular slot game Book of Dead.
Get up to:
300% Bonus
and 200 Free spin
*New players can get a 300% casino deposit bonus and 200 free spin.
New players only. New players can get a 300% matched deposit bonus and 200 free spin. Welcome Offer for Gaming Casino - 100% 1st Deposit Bonus + 50 Free Spins and 200% Casino Bonus on 2nd Deposit.
Get up to:
300% bonus up to ₹372,000
You can claim a 300% bonus up to ₹372,000 on your first deposit. Deposit a min of ₹ 1,150 and get a bonus.
New players only. Welcome Bonus: Vbet Casino is offering a generous welcome bonus to new players from India. You can claim a 300% bonus up to ₹372,000 on your first deposit. Deposit a minimum of ₹ 1,150 and get a bonus.
Get upto :
100% up to ₹25,000 + Freebet ₹100 (on IPL)
It sounds too good to be true, but it is! Take your special first 100% deposit bonus up to ₹25,000 + Freebet ₹100 (on IPL) and increase your profit!
100% up to ₹25,000 + Freebet ₹100 (on IPL) It sounds too good to be true, but it is! Take your special first 100% deposit bonus up to ₹25,000 + Freebet ₹100 (on IPL) and increase your profit!
Get up to:
700% Bonus
on the first deposit
up to 40,000 INR
* New customers only.
New players only. Register with 4rabet and receive a 100% bonus to the maximum amount of 5,000 INR on the first deposit!