Gautam Gambhir asked after Mohammad Shami missed IND vs ENG 1st T20.

India’s fast bowler Mohammed Shami’s absence from the first T20I against England has raised a few eyebrows. The 34-year-old quick was expected to make his comeback in international cricket in this match but did not play.

Former Indian cricketer Akash Chopra raised questions about the team management’s decision not to play Shami in this match. Chopra says Shami has marked the end and is expected to play. However, the leaders of the team did not play.

The former India opener also felt that Shami was completely unfit, which was the main reason for not playing the match. Shami’s fitness is felt to be important for Team India as he is one of the crucial bowlers for the team.

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Aakash Chopra breaks silence on Mohammed Shami’s absence

Speaking in a video on his YouTube channel, Akash Chopra spoke about Mohammed Shami’s absence from the first T20I. Despite making it to the final, Shami feels he has not played which raises questions about his fitness.

“It’s a big topic. It’s a big topic for all of us because no one is talking about anything. Maybe something was said in the (post-match) press conference but I don’t know at the time of the recording. Where is he? Mohammed) Shami, what are you doing? Chopra said.

“He had a big bandage on his leg. He indicated the run and we thought he would play for sure, but Shami didn’t play. Shami playing is important for everyone’s health, yours, mine and the Indian team.” It is mentioned.

Shami was expected to make his comeback in international cricket in this match, but India opted to play three spinners and Arshdeep Singh as their only specialist fast bowler.. Hardik Pandya was used as the second seamer with the new ball.

Why didn’t Mohammad Shami play?

Akash Chopra thinks that Mohammed Shami was not 100 percent fit and that is why he did not play the match. He feels India would have gone with Shami had he been fully fit.

“One match gone and only four left, he didn’t play the first game, and if he didn’t play, the only meaning was he wasn’t 100 per cent fit. If he was fit, there’s no excuse. It works, because the pitch is not good, you want to play spin, you also want to play Ravi Bishnoi, and three drivers. You want to go with,” Chopra said.

Mohammed Shami’s return, which has been eagerly awaited by Indian fans, will be crucial for India’s chances in the Champions Trophy and subsequent series. But he did not play and the team management did not give a clear response to his absence.

Mohammed Shami’s last international game

Mohammed Shami has not played an international game since the ODI World Cup 2023 final against Australia in November. He suffered an injury in the ODI World Cup but continued to play through severe pain.

He finally went under the knife in early 2024 due to which he missed the IPL 204 season and the T20 World Cup 2024.. He was expected to make an international comeback during India’s home Test, but his return was delayed due to swelling in his knee during rehabilitation..

Shami has been named in India’s Champions Trophy 2025 and is expected to play a major role in the tournament. With Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness in doubt, Shami’s role will be key in the tournament.