IND vs ENG: Mohammed Shami's India comeback delayed again, gets snubbed from 2nd T20I playing XI in Chennai

India is currently up against England in the second T20I of the five-match series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The much-anticipated return of star pacer Mohammed Shami to the squad, following his absence since the ODI World Cup 2023 final, was a hot topic leading into the series, especially with the Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon. 

However, much to the disappointment of fans, Shami was not included in the playing XI for the first T20I in Kolkata, and this pattern continued in the second T20I.

In a tactical decision, India has opted for just one specialist pacer, Arshdeep Singh, in the playing XI, with Hardik Pandya serving as the only other pacer. The team has decided to field four spinners - Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, and Varun Chakravarthy. 

India has found success with this spin-heavy strategy in recent T20Is, and captain Suryakumar Yadav has chosen to stick with it, leaving Mohammed Shami on the bench once more.

"We wanted to stick to our strengths, we did the same thing when we played in South Africa. Hardik took responsibility for bowling with the new ball. So I had a little bit of cushion to play that extra spinner and all those three are doing a wonderful job," Suryakumar Yadav had said after the first T20I.

Before the first T20I against England, there were some reports regarding minor fitness concerns for Mohammed Shami. As per PTI, he was spotted with strapping on his left knee, which had been hurt during net sessions prior to the match. Although he seemed at ease while bowling, he struggled to walk up the stairs to the dressing room.

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