Team India pacer Arshdeep Singh reassured fans about Mohammed Shami‘s fitness after the veteran was left out of the playing XI for the first T20I against England in Kolkata. Shami, who had been sidelined for over a year due to an ankle injury, was eagerly awaited for his return.
However, to everyone’s surprise, he was not included in India’s playing XI for the series opener, which raised concerns over his fitness. With India opting for only one specialist pacer in Arshdeep and three spinners, it seemed the decision was a tactical one.
Speaking to Jio Cinema after the match, Arshdeep reassured fans, noting that Shami had been bowling at his best in the nets.
“Just wait for a few more days, and you’ll get to see that bowling, and you’ll enjoy it a lot. The way the ball is coming out of his hand makes it look like the 22-year-old Shami Bhai is bowling again,” he said [quoted by India Today].
Arshdeep further added:
“Just yesterday, I was talking about the same thing with Shami Bhai because when he was bowling, the way the ball was coming out of his hand was absolutely amazing. With every delivery, you would say, ‘Wow, how can such an incredible ball come out of someone’s hand like this!’
Team India Triumph Over England Despite Shami’s Absence in Opening T20I
Team India continued their impressive T20I form in the series opener against England, despite Mohammed Shami’s absence. After winning the toss and opting to bowl, the hosts made an immediate impact. They reduced England to 17/2 during the powerplay, dismissing the visitors for a mere 132 in 20 overs.
Arshdeep set the pace with two early wickets, while the Indian spinners combined for 5/67 in 12 overs to contain the aggressive English batsmen. India then cruised to victory in the run-chase, reaching the target in just 12.5 overs with the loss of only three wickets.
Opener Abhishek Sharma led the charge, smashing 79 off 34 balls, as India took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five series. The second T20I is scheduled to take place in Chennai on Saturday, January 25.
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