Mohammed Shami is back. The pacer has been named in the playing XI for the third T20I against England in Rajkot.

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami is set to return to the national fold with the three-match T20I series against England, for the first time since the World Cup 2023 final. Shami had a lengthy first session with the Indian team in 14 months as he bowled his heart out.

In a blow to the Indian cricket team, fast bowler Mohammed Shami was left out of the Playing XI for the first match of the five-game T20I series against England being held at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The decision has dampened hopes of Shami's much-awaited return to international cricket.

Was Mohammed Shami not fit? Wasn't the whole idea of picking Shami for the England T20Is to give him match practice for the Champions Trophy?

Mohammed Shami, whose both legs were heavily bandaged, began with half run-up and worked up reasonable pace as well ahead of the 2nd T20I against England

The 34-year-old is returning to the national team for the first time since the 2023 Cricket World Cup final after an extended period away from the game.

India has won the toss and elected to bowl first in the series-opening T20 against England's cricketers in Kolkata. Mohammed Shami missed out for India despite the fast bowler being available after more than a year on the sidelines.

The third T20 match between India and England is scheduled to be played in Rajkot. With India leading the series 2-0 after winning the first two games, England faces a must-win situation to stay alive in IND vs ENG T20I series and avoid an early defeat.

Mohammed Shami could be on the sidelines once again as India look to seal the five-match series with a victory over England in Rajkot.