The long wait of Team India and its fans ended on 11 January. India's legendary fast bowler Mohammed Shami got the ticket to return to Team India after a long wait of about 14 months. Shami, who was away from international cricket since playing the final of the World Cup 2023, got a place in Team India for the series against England. Indian fans were eagerly waiting for this. But as much as Shami's return made the fans happy, it also surprised them equally. Here we tell you why you were surprised and the answer that removes that surprise.

Shami suffered a heel injury during the 2023 World Cup. Despite this injury, he continued playing till the final. After the tournament was over, Shami underwent surgery and then was in rehabilitation. Although, his return was expected by October-November but it did not happen and he could not even go on Australia tour. However, Shami proved his fitness by returning to domestic cricket in all three formats, after which he was selected in the very first series of the new year and this has increased his hopes of playing in the Champions Trophy.

Why did the selection surprise you?

Team India has been missing Shami a lot in the last few days. In such a situation, the news of his return has brought relief for the team as well as the fans. Despite this, his selection was surprising and the reason for this is the format. Actually, BCCI on Saturday announced the team for the T20 series against England, and not for the ODI series or Champions Trophy. Everyone was expecting that Shami would be recalled to the team for the ODI series against England but the selectors surprised everyone with his googly.

There is a reason for this surprise. Actually Shami did not play any match in T20 International for almost 26 months. His last match came in the World Cup 2022, when Team India lost in the semi-finals against England. However, after that he definitely played IPL in 2023. Nevertheless Shami has been more active in ODI and Test. Then why did the selectors take such a decision?

There is only one answer to this decision

If seen, the reason for this is very clear and simple - fitness and workload. Shami may have played Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy (ODI) matches in the last few weeks, but the pressure and emphasis of international cricket is different. . In such a situation, the selectors want to ensure that Shami can remain completely fit during these 5 match series and can also handle the necessary workload. If he bowls a few overs in international cricket before entering the ODI series or Champions Trophy, it will help him to get a clear picture of his fitness and at the same time he will be able to regain his rhythm.