Kamran Akmal Makes Bold Claim, Says Mohammed Shami Likely to Miss Second T20I Against England

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Cric News India

January 24, 2025 0 672

Mohammed Shami’s Comeback Delayed?

Mohammed Shami was excluded from India’s playing XI in the first T20I against England and is unlikely to feature in the second game, as per Kamran Akmal.

Team India pacer Mohammed Shami did not feature in the playing XI for the first T20I against England in Kolkata. According to former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal, the senior fast bowler may once again be sidelined for the second T20I, set to take place in Chennai on Saturday, January 25.

Despite expectations that Shami would make his comeback in the first match after recovering from a long injury layoff, the Indian team management opted for a different bowling combination. Arshdeep Singh was the sole specialist pacer, supported by Hardik Pandya as the second seam option.

Sharing his thoughts on his YouTube channel, Catch And Bat with Kamran Akmal, the former wicketkeeper-batter expressed doubts about Shami’s inclusion in the second game. However, he suggested that the management might introduce him in the later matches of the series to prepare him for the 2025 Champions Trophy.

“Will Shami play the second T20I? I do not think so, the way they won the first game. Maybe they will play him in the last few games keeping the Champions Trophy in mind, as getting into rhythm after a long time in international cricket is not easy,” Kamran remarked during his analysis.

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Shami recently represented Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he delivered consistent performances. Whether the Indian management opts to reintroduce him in the second T20I or delays his return remains uncertain.

With Mohammed Shami unavailable, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh spearheaded India’s pace attack during the first T20I. He impressed with his skills, picking up two crucial wickets in his first three overs and putting England on the back foot early in the game.

Kamran Akmal lauded the young pacer’s progress, stating, “Arshdeep Singh is not the same player who came 2.5 years ago. Now he is India’s number one bowler (T20I). He does in-swing and out-swing with the new ball according to the pitch. He is bowling the way the pitch demands, with the new ball, in the powerplay, he is doing that.”