Image: Arshdeep Singh dismissed concerns about Mohammed Shami's fitness / © Zee News
In the first T20I against England in Kolkata, Arshdeep Singh addressed concerns regarding Mohammed Shami’s fitness, assuring fans that the veteran pacer is in top form. Shami, sidelined for over a year due to an ankle injury, was excluded from the playing XI despite his return to the squad. Arshdeep revealed that Shami has been bowling exceptionally well in the nets, comparing his current form to that of a 22-year-old. He said:
Just wait a few more days, and you’ll get to witness the magic of his bowling. It’s like watching the 22-year-old Shami Bhai in action again. I was talking to Shami Bhai about this just yesterday. When he was bowling, the way the ball came out of his hand was truly exceptional. With every delivery, you couldn’t help but think, “How is it even possible to bowl like that? It’s unbelievable!”.
Shami’s last appearance for India was in the 2023 ODI World Cup final before undergoing surgery. Now, at 34, he is part of India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, beginning February 19. Despite Shami’s absence, India dominated England with a strategic approach, using one pacer and three spinners.
India’s bowlers restricted England to 132 runs in 20 overs, with Arshdeep claiming two early wickets. The spinners took five wickets for just 67 runs in 12 overs. Chasing 133, India achieved the target comfortably in 12.5 overs, led by Abhishek Sharma’s blistering 79 off 34 balls. This victory gave India a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, with the second T20I scheduled for January 25 in Chennai.