Sun Jan 12 07:58:33 UTC 2025: ## Shami Returns to India’s T20 Squad for England Series

**Kolkata, India** – Veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami is back in the Indian team for the upcoming five-match T20I series against England, starting January 22nd in Kolkata. The announcement ends months of uncertainty surrounding Shami’s fitness following ankle surgery and subsequent knee swelling.

Shami, sidelined since the 2023 World Cup final, has been working his way back through domestic cricket, playing in the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and currently the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His recovery was hampered by a knee injury that prevented him from joining the Indian team for their recent, unsuccessful tour of Australia. The selectors, following a fitness update, confirmed his inclusion in the T20 squad on Saturday.

Shami’s return is crucial for India, who struggled without a reliable second pace bowler alongside Jasprit Bumrah during the Australia tour. Bumrah, while impressive (32 wickets), missed the final Test due to injury and is also absent from the T20 squad due to a back injury. His absence exposed India’s pace bowling depth, leading to a significant loss in the final Test.

While initially not selected for the Australia tour, Shami’s potential inclusion was discussed. Captain Rohit Sharma previously commented on Shami’s fitness, emphasizing the need for caution to avoid further injury setbacks.

The T20 squad also includes several other exciting players. Nitish Reddy, who impressed on the Australia tour as an all-rounder, is included, alongside in-form opener Sanju Samson and wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel. Riyan Parag is notably absent due to injury.

**India’s T20 Squad:** Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Nitish Reddy, Mohd Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Harisht Rana, Dhruv Jurel, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakrabarthy, Washington Sundar.

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