Mohammed Shami returns as BCCI announces India's squad for T20I series against England

Veteran seam bowler Mohammed Shami marks his return to international cricket. The 34-year-old hasn’t played for India since the finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup. Shami has been included in the team for the five-match T20I series against England. 

Suryakumar Yadav is set to lead the side, with Axar Patel serving as his deputy as BCCI announed the squad for the five-match series. Yashasvi Jaiswal was expected to be included in the side, but he has been rested. This means that Sanju Samson will continue to open the batting with Abhishek Sharma. Rishabh Pant has been rested for the series, with Dhruv Jurel being included. 

The pace bowling will be led by Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Shami, along with Harshit Rana and Hardik Pandya as the secondary pacers. The spin department will be headed by Axar Patel, while Ravi Bishnoi and Varun Chakravarthy retain their places. Washington Sundar has also been called up for the series. 

Mohammed Shami speaks about his wait to make his comeback 

34-year-old Indian pacer Mohammed Shami spoke to Anandabazar Patrika recently. The right-arm seamer spoke about his long wait to make his return to the team. Shami said, “For a player, playing is everything. For me, the ball is my life. How can I enjoy that life if I cannot pick up the ball in my hands? Life has become very difficult; that's all I can say."

The veteran seamer also said, "I always thought that if I have to play again, then I will play properly. I have always wanted to be honest with the game. I have wanted to be honest with my work. I have tried; no matter the ups and downs, there should be no lack of effort on my part.”

“What greater motivation do you need than playing for the country? I have never needed any more motivation. While I was rehabilitating at the National Academy in Bengaluru, I would just look at the India jersey. Well, I didn't need anything else to motivate myself,” Mohammed Shami ended by saying. 

Indian squad for England T20I series: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel (vc), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel (wk)