Mohammed Shami is back. The pacer has been named in the playing XI for the third T20I against England in Rajkot.

In a blow to the Indian cricket team, fast bowler Mohammed Shami was left out of the Playing XI for the first match of the five-game T20I series against England being held at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The decision has dampened hopes of Shami's much-awaited return to international cricket.

The 34-year-old is returning to the national team for the first time since the 2023 Cricket World Cup final after an extended period away from the game.

Was Mohammed Shami not fit? Wasn't the whole idea of picking Shami for the England T20Is to give him match practice for the Champions Trophy?

India has won the toss and elected to bowl first in the series-opening T20 against England's cricketers in Kolkata. Mohammed Shami missed out for India despite the fast bowler being available after more than a year on the sidelines.

India will be keen to see returning pacer Mohammed Shami's fitness when a power-packed India take on a dynamic England in the first T20I at the high-scoring Eden Gardens.

Chennai: Unruffled by the lingering fitness concerns surrounding Mohammed Shami, the well-oiled machine that is India's T20 team will be eyeing an encore of its opening game performance against

Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar has underlined the importance of Shami's inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad annoucement in Mumbai on Saturday

The third T20 match between India and England is scheduled to be played in Rajkot. With India leading the series 2-0 after winning the first two games, England faces a must-win situation to stay alive in IND vs ENG T20I series and avoid an early defeat.

Mohammed Shami could be on the sidelines once again as India look to seal the five-match series with a victory over England in Rajkot.