Mohammed Shami is back. The pacer has been named in the playing XI for the third T20I against England in Rajkot.

Former India opener Aakash Chopra questions Mohammed Shami's fitness and readiness for India's T20I series against England after his extended absence despite being in the squad. Shami has not played in the first two T20Is,

India batter Abhishek Sharma was asked about Shami's absence from the team's playing XI after the first T20I against England in Kolkata. He brushed aside all injury concerns and said that it was purely the team management's call.

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?

Shami’s omission from India’s playing XI in the first T20I sparked a debate across social media and news platforms.

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.

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.

India hold a 2-0 lead in the five-match series after winning the first match in Kolkata by seven wickets and the second in Chennai by two wickets

India has won the toss and elected to bowl first in the series-opening T20 against England's cricketers in Kolkata. Mohammed Shami missed out for India despite the fast bowler being available after more than a year on the sidelines.

The third T20 match between India and England is scheduled to be played in Rajkot. With India leading the series 2-0 after winning the first two games, England faces a must-win situation to stay alive in IND vs ENG T20I series and avoid an early defeat.