Former India opener Aakash Chopra questioned Mohammed Shami's fitness after the veteran pacer was left out of India's playing XI for the first T20I against England.

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.

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

India has won the toss and elected to bowl first in the series-opening T20 against England’s cricketers in Kolkata

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

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

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.

Mohammed Shami’s comeback for the Indian cricket team will have to wait. The pacer was not picked in the Playing Xi by the Indian cricket team think tank for the first IND vs ENG T20 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. IND vs ENG 1st T20I UPDATE: India have won the toss at Kolkata and have opted to ball first. Follow our IND vs ENG liveblog.

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.

Mohammed Shami will play his first international match in the first T20I against England since ODI World Cup 2023 final