The biggest mystery in Indian cricket right now—bigger than concerns about Rohit Sharma’s future, Virat Kohli’s form, and Jasprit Bumrah’s injury—revolves around Mohammed Shami's absence from India's Playing XI. The pacer has missed not only the series opener in Kolkata but also the second game in Chennai, leading to speculation about his future. Is he fully recovered? Does he not fit into the team’s plans? The truth is, Shami is 100 per cent fit and ready to play, but the reason he's not featuring is different.

With Bumrah's uncertain availability for the Champions Trophy, the Indian team management is prioritizing Shami’s long-term role in the 50-over format. While Shami’s recovery and fitness have impressed everyone involved, the focus is on preserving him for the future, particularly in ODIs. To avoid the risk of injury, Shami is likely to have a very limited role in the T20Is, if any. However, once the ODIs begin, expect Shami to come in full force.

"Shami has lost 2 kgs from what he gained before his injury and is bowling at full intensity. He is not needed as much in the T20s, but he should be ready to go once the ODIs start," a report in the Times of India mentioned.

Why leaving Shami out of T20Is is not that bad a call after all

It is safe to assume that Shami will also be absent from the third T20I in Rajkot. With India winning both their matches in Kolkata and Chennai, it's unlikely that coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav will make major changes to the playing XI.

Shami hasn’t played for India in over a year, with his last international appearance being in the 2023 World Cup final. His ankle injury, followed by surgery and an extended rehabilitation process, took longer than expected. Initially, Shami was expected to return in time for India’s home season, but those hopes were dashed. He missed not only the home season but also had no role in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which was surprising given he had been a regular player for Uttar Pradesh in both the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

As frustration grew among fans, all eyes turned to the National Cricket Academy (NCA), which had the final say on Shami's fitness. There were reports of his knee being swollen, although the BCCI did not provide official details. However, the wait seemed to end when Shami was named in India's squad for the England T20Is, as well as the ODIs and the Champions Trophy. As the leading wicket-taker in the 2023 World Cup and the second-highest in 2019, it makes sense to have India’s top pacer fit and ready for another high-profile ICC tournament.

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