Shami returns as India announce squad for T20I series against England

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially announced the squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against England on Saturday, with the return of star pacer Mohammed Shami.

The 34-year-old fast bowler has been sidelined since the 2023 ODI World Cup final due to an ankle injury that required surgery.

Although Shami hoped for a return during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, the BCCI's medical team ultimately deemed his rehabilitation progress insufficient. 

However, the Bengal pacer showcased his fitness through active participation in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and had his workload monitored during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, overcoming temporary inflammation in the process.

With the Champions Trophy approaching, the England series provides Shami with a crucial opportunity to cement his place in India's fast bowling lineup.

In addition to Shami's return, the appointment of Axar Patel as vice-captain is generating significant discussion. 

Despite the presence of Hardik Pandya, Axar has been elevated to the deputy role under Suryakumar Yadav's leadership. 

While Hardik led India in T20Is leading up to last year's T20 World Cup, Suryakumar took over the reins post-tournament and now Axar is set to assist him. 

This marks a shift in India's leadership dynamic, with Hardik continuing to captain Mumbai Indians in the IPL.

Rishabh Pant, who hasn't played a T20I since July 2024, has once again been excluded from the squad, with Dhruv Jurel named as the second-choice wicketkeeper behind Sanju Samson. 

Samson is expected to continue opening the batting alongside Abhishek Sharma, particularly with the absence of Yashasvi Jaiswal.

The squad sees the return of Nitish Reddy, Harshit Rana and Washington Sundar, who missed the South Africa tour due to their participation in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. 

As a result, Ramandeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Avesh Khan, Yash Dayal and Jitesh Sharma have been dropped.

The five-match T20I series will begin on January 22 in Kolkata, with matches also scheduled in Chennai, Rajkot, Pune and Mumbai. 

Following the T20I series, India will face England in a three-match ODI series in preparation for the Champions Trophy.

India T20I Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel (vc), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammad Shami, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel (wk)