The wait to see veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami once again performing wonders in the blue jersey of Team India is increasing. Shami, who was out of international cricket for about 14 months due to a heel injury and then knee swelling, has got a place in Team India for the T20 series against England but he could not play in the first match. Now it is believed that his return may take some more time and he will not be able to play in the second T20 match also.

Difficult to play in second T20 also

A report has claimed that star pacer Shami may sit out of the second T20 match as well. This match will be played on Saturday 25th January at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. It is believed that Shami is still not completely fit. Due to him not getting a place in the playing eleven in the first T20 match, questions were being raised on his fitness and now these claims are being strengthened by this report.

After the first T20 match played in Kolkata, young batsman Abhishek Sharma had told that Shami is absolutely fit but why he was not included in the team, it was the decision of the team management. During the warm-up before this T20 match, Shami was seen in trouble during his run-up. Former leg spinner Piyush Chawla, who was commentating for the broadcaster in the match, had also pointed out that Shami was limping a bit. If Shami is not completely fit then it can become more of a problem for Team India in the Champions Trophy than this series.

Is this the reason?

Now what is the truth, only Shami and the management of the Indian team can tell. However, this is a 5 match series and hence it is also possible that the management does not want to put the bowling load on Shami immediately. If we look at Kolkata T20, here the Indian team did not need an extra pacer because 3 spinners played a big role. The same situation is likely to persist on the spin friendly pitch of Chennai also. In such a situation, it seems difficult for Shami to play here anyway. There is also a possibility that keeping the Champions Trophy in mind, he is being given a little more rest.