Sat Jan 11 23:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Shami Returns, Axar Vice-Captain as India Announces England T20I Squad

**Mumbai, India –** Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami is set to make his international comeback after a long injury layoff. He’s been included in India’s squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against England, starting January 22nd in Kolkata. Shami, 34, hasn’t played for India since the 2023 ODI World Cup final due to an ankle injury requiring surgery. While initially hoping for a return during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, his recovery was deemed insufficient by the BCCI medical team. He subsequently proved his fitness through domestic tournaments.

The squad also features a significant change in leadership. Axar Patel has been appointed vice-captain under Suryakumar Yadav, a surprising choice given the presence of Hardik Pandya in the team. Pandya previously captained India in the T20 format. The selectors’ decision marks a shift in the team’s hierarchy.

Rishabh Pant remains absent from the squad, with Dhruv Jurel named as the second-wicketkeeper behind Sanju Samson. Several players return from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, including Nitish Reddy, Harshit Rana, and Washington Sundar, while others have been dropped to make way for the returning players.

The series against England will serve as a crucial test for Shami ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy. The five-match T20I series will be followed by a three-match ODI series.

**Full Squad:** 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 Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel (wk)

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