The biggest mystery in Indian cricket at the moment – bigger than Rohit Sharma's future, Virat Kohli's form, and Jasprit Bumrah's injury – is Mohammed Shami's absence from India's Playing XI. The India pacer surprisingly missed not just the series opener in Kolkata but also the 2nd game in Chennai,

With India aiming to make it 2-0 in the series with a win in the 2nd IND vs ENG T20I on January 25, can fans expect to see Mohammed Shami back in India colours?

Check the reason behind Mohammed Shami's absence in the 1st T20I against England 2025. Get all the details about why he won't be playing in the crucial match.

Was Mohammed Shami not fit? Wasn't the whole idea of picking Shami for the England T20Is to give him match practice for the Champions Trophy?

In a blow to the Indian cricket team, fast bowler Mohammed Shami was left out of the Playing XI for the first match of the five-game T20I series against England being held at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The decision has dampened hopes of Shami's much-awaited return to international cricket.

KOLKATA, India (AP) — India won the toss and chose to bowl first in the series-opening T20 against England's cricketers in Kolkata on Wednesday. Mohammed Shami missed out for India despite the fast bowler being available after more than a year on the sidelines. India is the reigning world champion at the T20 format.

The 34-year-old is returning to the national team for the first time since the 2023 Cricket World Cup final after an extended period away from the game.