IND vs ENG 2025: Why is Mohammed Shami not playing 1st T20I?

In contrast to the hectic build-up before the game, Surya revealed that Mohammed Shami and other players were left off the roster. One thing is clear from this: even though Shami has played for Bengal in the domestic circuit for a number of games, the team management is still not convinced with his recovery from the knee surgery.

On Wednesday, January 22, India and England will play their first Twenty20 International at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata as part of their five-match series. India had a terrible run in the red-ball format prior to the white-ball series, and Gautam Gambhir and company would like to turn things around.

After winning the toss, India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, chose to bowl first. Based on the amount of precipitation predicted for later in the game, he supported his prediction.

“We’ll try bowling first. There will be dew later; the wicket appears to be sticky. Later on, it will be heavier. The boys have been outstanding. I’m excited for this series and the preparation has been terrific. The fight between the two teams will be fierce. We want to focus on our strengths, so choosing the playing XI is a good headache.

At the toss, he stated, “The guys missing out today are Mohammed Shami, Harshit Rana, and Dhruv Jurel.”

However, Jos Buttler, the white-ball captain of England, was up for the task as well. He acknowledged that dew also had a part.

It seems like a fantastic surface, and I have no doubt that the match will be enjoyable. Some dew will be present. It’s a fantastic field, and playing against India under these circumstances is an honour. Everyone is doing well. We have a lot to look forward to, and it’s good to be together. McCullum, who has a great deal of expertise, is in command. We are well prepared for the challenge that lies ahead. On both sides, there is some amazing ability. Buttler clarified that Jamie Smith, Rehan Ahmed, Brydon Carse, and Saqib Mahmood would not be participating.

In addition to Shami’s unexpected absence, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel, and Harshit Rana were not selected for the Men in Blue.

Playing XIs

India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), 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