Tue Jan 28 15:58:08 UTC 2025: **Veteran Pacer Mohammed Shami Returns to India’s T20I Squad After Over a Year’s Absence**

RAJKOT, INDIA – Mohammed Shami is back in the Indian playing XI for the third T20I against England, marking a significant return to international cricket after more than a year. The speedster, who warmed the bench for the first two matches of the five-match series, replaced Arshdeep Singh in the lineup for the match at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot.

Shami’s last T20I appearance for India was in November 2022, and his most recent international match was the 2023 ODI World Cup final. His inclusion follows confirmation from India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, that Shami is fully fit and has no injury concerns.

While many anticipated Shami’s debut in the series opener in Kolkata, he was surprisingly omitted from the initial two matches. His return is particularly timely given his inclusion in India’s squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy. The 34-year-old has been regaining match fitness playing domestic cricket for Bengal since recovering from an ankle injury last year.

India, currently leading the series 2-0, won the toss and elected to bowl first. While England retained their playing XI, India made the single change, bringing in Shami. A win in Rajkot would give India an unassailable lead in the series.

**Playing XIs:**

**India:** Sanju Samson(w), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Dhruv Jurel, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Mohammed Shami, Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakaravarthy

**England:** Philip Salt, Ben Duckett, Jos Buttler(c), Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Smith(w), Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood

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