Kolkata, Jan 22: Fit-again pacer Mohammed Shami’s comeback would be keenly watched when the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian T20 team takes on an evenly-matched England in a five-match series starting here on Wednesday, aiming to make up for the recent Test disasters that have caused considerable turmoil and heartbreak.The white-ball rubber, comprising five T20Is and three ODIs after that, presents an ideal platform for both the teams to experiment with combinations and assess form before next month’s Champions Trophy.
Shami, despite missing four matches, emerged as India’s leading wicket-taker in the ODI World Cup 2023 with 24 scalps, including a sensational 7/57 in the semifinal against New Zealand at the Wankhede.
Interestingly, the pacer has claimed the same number of wickets — 24 at an average of 29.62 — in his limited T20I career and will aim to improve on that while proving his fitness.
Shami was sidelined after the lost final against Australia on November 19, 2023 due to an ankle injury that required surgery. The recovery from that was followed by swelling on his left knee during the domestic comeback some weeks back.
Following his inclusion in India’s Champions Trophy squad, Shami’s return will garner national attention.
With pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah nursing a back injury and his Champions Trophy participation doubtful, Shami’s comeback assumes greater significance.
The 34-year-old made his competitive return in the Ranji Trophy for Bengal, guiding them to their first win of the season with a seven-wicket haul.
He followed it up with impressive performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (11 wickets) and the Vijay Hazare Trophy (five wickets).
Shami’s T20I career has been sporadic, with just 23 appearances since his debut in 2014. His last outing in the format was against England in the 2022 T20 World Cup semifinal.
With the Rohit Sharma-led Indian Test set-up still reeling from a horror tour of Australia, a good performance from the T20 side has become imperative especially after the Board had to step in to reinforce diktats on team discipline.
All-rounder Axar Patel will debut as India’s vice-captain in the T20I format.
He has been rewarded for his stellar all-round contributions in India’s triumphant T20 World Cup campaign in the Caribbean last year.
Like Shami, England’s fiery pacer Jofra Archer will be under the spotlight as he returns from injury to lead their pace attack ahead of the Champions Trophy.
But conditions in India, with the possibility of heavy evening dew, could pose a challenge for bowlers. The squad also includes pace bowler Mark Wood following his recovery from a right elbow injury.