Shami makes India comeback after 14 months for T20I series

The pacer, back after surgery and rehab, will return for the five home T20Is against England, starting on January 22

- Rasesh Mandani

Mohammed Shami, master of the upright seam and nagging accuracy, will return to the international fold after a gap of 14 months. The pacer has been picked for the five-match T20I series against England at home starting on January 22, raising hopes that an injury-free run may see him picked for the ICC Champions Trophy to be played from February 19 to March 9.

Shami's return ends a frustrating wait for the senior fast bowler battling various injuries and then rehabilitation. The pacer was last seen in action for India on November 19, 2023 in the World Cup final in Ahmedabad; a tournament in which he topped the wicket-taking charts with 24 scalps in seven matches.

The 34-year-old had been managing a chronic heel issue during the World Cup; his rehab came into sharp focus while he was being treated with injections in consultation with BCCI's medical team. He ultimately required surgery on his right Achilles tendon in February 2024, which saw him miss out on IPL action.

Indian cricket missed Shami's services the most in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy series loss in Australia, where Jasprit Bumrah was on song, capturing 32 wickets, but lacked support and ultimately broke down with back spasms in the fifth Test in Sydney.