**Shami Returns to India Squad for England T20Is; Axar Appointed as Suryakumar’s Deputy**
In a significant development for Indian cricket, fast bowler Mohammed Shami has been included in the 15-member squad for the upcoming five-match T20 International series against England. This marks Shami’s return to international cricket after a year-long absence due to injury, a period that has seen him undergo heel surgery and gradually regain his fitness through domestic cricket.
Shami, 34, last played for India in the 50-over World Cup final in November 2023. Despite missing the 3-1 Test series loss in Australia, where he was expected to join the team in December, Shami has been working diligently to return to competitive cricket. His recent participation in domestic matches, including the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and Vijay Hazare Trophy, has been crucial in his recovery process.
The T20I series against England, set to begin on January 22 in Kolkata, will serve as a crucial test for Shami’s fitness and bowling rhythm. His inclusion in the squad adds another dimension to India’s attack, particularly with pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah’s participation in doubt due to a back injury sustained during the final Australia Test.
Meanwhile, Axar Patel has been elevated to the vice-captaincy position, a move that reflects his consistent performances in T20 cricket. Patel, one of the key performers during India’s T20 World Cup-winning campaign last year, will serve as Suryakumar Yadav’s deputy. This appointment underscores the faith the selectors have in Patel’s leadership skills and his ability to contribute significantly to the team’s success.
The 15-member squad for the T20I series against England includes Suryakumar Yadav as captain, Sanju Samson as the wicketkeeper, and a mix of experienced and young players. The squad also features Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Dhruv Jurel as the second wicketkeeper, Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakravarthy, Washington Sundar, and Mohammed Shami.
India’s T20I series against England is set to be a closely watched event, not only for Shami’s return but also for the team’s preparations ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament is scheduled to start next month, and a fit Shami would be a significant asset for India’s 50-over attack.
The series will kick off with the first T20I match on January 22 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The subsequent matches will be played in Chennai, Rajkot, Pune, and Mumbai, respectively. With both teams looking to make a strong statement in the series, cricket fans can expect an exciting and competitive contest.
In summary, Mohammed Shami’s return to the Indian squad for the T20I series against England is a welcome development for Indian cricket. Alongside Axar Patel’s appointment as vice-captain, the team is well-prepared to face the English challenge. As the series unfolds, fans will be keenly observing Shami’s performance and the team’s overall strategy under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav and Axar Patel. The upcoming matches promise to be thrilling, with both teams aiming to make a strong impression in the lead-up to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
