Shami Returns to India Squad for T20I Series Against England; Pant Left Out

“Mohammed Shami’s comeback bolsters India’s bowling attack ahead of the England T20Is, but Rishabh Pant’s exclusion raises eyebrows.”

January 12, 2025: Mohammed Shami has made his much-anticipated return to the Indian cricket team for the five-match T20I series against England, starting January 22. Shami has been sidelined since the ODI World Cup 2023 final against Australia on November 19 due to injuries, including an ankle surgery and a knee swelling that required additional medical attention.

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In preparation for his comeback, Shami had been actively participating in domestic tournaments, representing Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy over the past few months.

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The squad announcement, however, was not without surprises. Rishabh Pant, a key player, has been omitted from the T20I squad without any official explanation from the BCCI. Instead, Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel have been chosen as the two wicketkeepers for the series, with Suryakumar Yadav leading the team.

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Shivam Dube also missed out on a spot, while young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who impressed with his recent performances, made the cut.

Joining Shami in the pace department are Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh. The spin lineup includes Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, and Washington Sundar. The batting lineup is headlined by captain Suryakumar Yadav, alongside Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, and Rinku Singh.

Shami’s inclusion is seen as a key move to bolster India’s bowling attack, with the ICC Champions Trophy on the horizon. The BCCI reportedly sought an extension from the ICC for finalizing the Champions Trophy squad, signaling ongoing deliberations about team composition for the crucial tournament.

India’s T20I Squad for England Series:

• Suryakumar Yadav (Captain)
• Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper)
• Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper)
• Abhishek Sharma
• Tilak Varma
• Hardik Pandya
• Rinku Singh
• Nitish Kumar Reddy
• Axar Patel (Vice-Captain)
• Mohammed Shami
• Harshit Rana
• Arshdeep Singh
• Varun Chakaravarthy
• Ravi Bishnoi
• Washington Sundar

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Mohammed Shami comeback, India vs England T20I series, Rishabh Pant exclusion, Indian cricket team updates, ICC Champions Trophy preparations, Indian cricket squad analysis.