Why is Mohammed Shami missing the first T20I against England?

Team India got down to business as they began their short home season in the white ball format during the first T20I against England. Suryakumar Yadav and his side ended 2024 on a high as the current World Champions ended unbeaten in the T20 format. Pace bowler Mohammed Shami was back in the team after more than a year out due to injury. 

It was India who won the toss and chose to bowl first in Kolkata. The decision was dictated because dew will play a huge role in the game. England had already announced their playing XI on the eve of the game. Former KKR star Phil Salt is set to open the batting with Ben Duckett, while Jos Buttler will bat at number three. 

Suryakumar Yadav said at the toss that Mohammed Shami was missing the game. The 34-year-old was seen bowling with strapping on his leg. Shami’s fitness has been under huge spotlight ever since his return to the team. Shami could be seen bowling in the nets just before the game but seemed a bit ginger during his run-up. 

India looking to start season on strong note 

Speaking at the toss, Suryakumar Yadav said, “We will look to bowl first. The wicket looks sticky; there will be dew later on. It will be heavier later on. The boys have been amazing. The preparations have been good. Looking forward to this series. It's going to be great competition between both sides. A good headache; we want to stick to our strengths.”

Jos Buttler said, "Looks like a good wicket; I'm sure it's going to be a good match. There will be some dew around. It's a great ground; it's an honour to play against India in these conditions. Everyone is in a good spot. It's nice to be together; a lot to look forward to. McCullum is taking charge; he has a lot of experience. It's going to be a challenge; we are right up for it. There is some incredible talent in both sides.”

India XI: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (w), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy

England XI: Ben Duckett, Philip Salt (w), Jos Buttler (c), Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood