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Mohammed Shami’s much-anticipated comeback was further delayed and Piyush Chawla backed the decision.
Mohammed Shami bowling at Eden Gardens (PTI)
Mohammed Shami was not part of India’s playing XI against England in the first T20I of the five-match series at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday.
The seemingly fit-again 34-year-old pacer had bowled for close to half an hour at the side nets, targeting the stumps ahead of the start of the match.
Shami was sidelined after the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia in November 2023 due to an ankle injury that required surgery. The recovery from that was followed by a swelling on his left knee during the domestic comeback some weeks back.
All eyes were on Shami’s return after a 14-month injury lay-off, but India opted for a three-pronged spin attack instead, a decision that paid off as they bowled out England for a meagre 132 before cruising to the target in 12.5 overs with seven wickets in hand.
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Former India spinner Piyush Chawla came out in support of the decision not to play Shami in the match.
Chawla said that the Indian team management made the right call not to risk Shami, pointing out that the fast bowler was seen limping a bit while bowling, adding that he just wants him be fully fit for the Champions Trophy.
“If you see the run-up, he is still limping a bit. The main target should be Champions Trophy, and getting fit for that. Lots of matches in this series, even if he misses a few games, that is okay,” said Chawla was quoyted as saying to Star Sports.
Post match, star of the evening Abhishek Sharma clarified that the veteran pacer was not picked on account of conditions and the combinations that the hosts thought conducive.
“I feel it’s the decision of the team management and they thought it’s a better option keeping in mind of these conditions,” Abhishek said at the post-match press conference.
Arshdeep Singh also had shared how impressed he was with Shami’s bowling during their practice sessions. “Just yesterday, I was talking to Shami Bhai about it. When he was bowling, the way the ball came out of his hand was simply incredible. With every delivery, I couldn’t help but think, ‘Wow, how can a ball be bowled like that?'” Arshdeep said. “It feels like the 22-year-old version of Shami Bhai is bowling again, the way the ball is coming out of his hand,” he added.
(With inputs from Agencies)
