‘At some stage, he has to play’ – Aakash Chopra questions Mohammed Shami’s absence in the T20I series against England

34-year-old pacer Mohammed Shami is yet to play a match in the ongoing T20I series against England. The veteran pacer is again most likely to be rested for the Rajkot game on Tuesday. Former India batter Aakash Chopra has questioned Shami’s absence from the playing XI for the first two games. 

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra said “At some stage, he has to play. This month is about to come to an end. Your T20I series will be more than half done by the end of the day. If he doesn't play, then what is his status? What is his actual status? There is no news from the dressing room and the NCA. What is his status?

Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak during his chat with the media has allayed fears regarding Shami’s fitness. The 34-year-old played one Ranji match for Bengal and also took part in the Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare tournaments. Shami is also part of the ODI squads for the series against England and the ICC Champions Trophy. 

Sitanshu Kotak said “Yes, Shami is fit but something about him playing or not playing, I am not the one who can answer. There is definitely a plan for Shami looking at coming matches as well as ODI’s. So, that is something Gautam and obviously Surya will take a call on. But his fitness, definitely is not a problem, depending on how they are planning to build his load,”

Aakash Chopra wants Shami to be included in the playing XI

Having missed 14 months of cricket, Mohammed Shami playing in the current series against England becomes important. With Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness still in doubt, the onus will be on Shami to deliver with the new ball if India has to win the Champions Trophy title. 

Aakash Chopra has urged the team management to play the seamer in the upcoming game and said “Shami has to play. If he doesn't play, I am personally worried. He hasn't played for 15 months. If he plays international cricket, he can only be ready then,”

The former India batter also added “If Shami is not playing, you have to wonder about his status at some point. It's not like you aren't playing him because of the bowling combination. There is no update regarding his status. I just hope to see him play,”