Mohammed Shami is not playing the first T20I between India and England at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata and will have to wait longer for his comeback. The 34-year-old is making a comeback to the national team for the first time since the 2023 Cricket World Cup final after a long spell on the sidelines.

Mohammed Shami's much-anticipated comeback will be further delayed as the Indian pacer was not named in India's playing eleven for the first T20I against England, fueling speculations whether national selectors are sanguine about his fitness.

The question remains whether problem of a swelling left knee after each rigorous session is still causing problems for the veteran pacer.

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

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.

Mohammed Shami brings class and experience with him and naturally, the Indian team management is happy with his return.

There was a big surprise as far as India's playing XI is concerned with star pacer Mohammed Shami unable to make the cut.

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.

Veteran India pacer Mohammed Shami has not been picked for India's first T20I against England at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The hosts named one specialist pacer in Arshdeep Singh, while Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy can assist him whenever required.

India pacer Mohammed Shami's return to international cricket will have to wait for some more time after he was left out of India's playing XI against England for the 1st T20I on Wednesday (Jan 22). Shami last played for India in ODI World Cup 2023 final on November 19 at home which India lost to Australia.

Mohammed Shami was not picked in the playing XI for the match against England in Kolkata as the team management preferred three spinners as part of combination.