Right-arm fast bowler Mohammed Shami was left out of India’s playing XI for the first T20I against England at Eden GardensCalcutta. Despite expectations that he would make a comeback to international cricket after recovering from injury, Shami’s absence has raised eyebrows among fans.
Reasons for the exclusion of Mohammed Shami
The decision to leave Shami out of the team comes as India opt to heavily back their spin department for this match. Captain Suryakumar Yadav revealed that the team management had decided to include only one specialist point guard, Arshdeep Singhwhile relying on versatile Pace Bowling players Hardik Pandya And Nitish Kumar Reddy.
“The wicket looks sticky, there will be dew later.” It will be heavier later. » » said Yadav at the toss. “Selection is a good headache, sticking to our strengths. » he said when asked about Shami’s absence.
Meanwhile, England made several changes in their T20I squad and named Brendon McCullum as the new white ball coach. Boasting a lineup packed with batting powerhouses, the team looks formidable on paper, promising an explosive start to the first T20I.
“It looks like a good wicket, I’m sure it’s going to be a good match. There will be a little dew. It’s a superb pitch, it’s an honor to play against India in these conditions.” said the English captain If butler after losing the draw. “McCullum takes charge, he has a lot of experience. This is going to be a challenge, we are ready to take it on. There is incredible talent on both sides. » he added.
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IND vs ENG: playing the XI of both teams
India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (week), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy
England: Ben Duckett, Philip Salt (wk), Jos Buttler (c), Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood