NEW DELHI: Fast bowler Mohammed Shami has made a much-anticipated return to India's T20I squad for the upcoming five-match series against England, beginning January 22 in Kolkata. Shami, 34, last played a T20I in November 2022 and has been sidelined due to a heel surgery that kept him out of action for over a year.
Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra highlighted Shami's return as a critical moment for India's preparation ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy later this year. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra remarked, "Mohammed Shami is back. He is fit. And looks like the preparation for the Champions Trophy is on. It’s a five-match series, and if he remains fit and in form, he could be going to Dubai for the Champions Trophy."