Team India has started the T20 series against England with a spectacular win, but the fitness situation of star fast bowler Mohammed Shami remains a cause of curiosity for the fans. Shami was declared fit and selected for the T20 series but he was not played in the first match. It is being said by the team that he is fit but the picture of Shami seen before the second T20 match is not only disturbing but also exposes Team India.

Shami, who suffered a heel injury in the World Cup 2023, has been out of international cricket since then. After being away from Team India for about 14 months, Shami was selected for this T20 series so that he could bear the pressure of international cricket and also regain his rhythm. Still, he was not given a chance in the first match, which surprised everyone. Due to this, questions are being raised on Shami's fitness and team management.

Strap on legs, difficult to even run properly

The second T20 match is to be played in Chennai from Saturday 25th January and Shami is also in the city with the team for this. A day before the match, Team India practiced at MA Chidambaram Stadium and during this practice session it was understood why Shami was not a part of the first T20. Also, the next match also looks difficult for them. According to PTI report, both Shami's legs were completely bandaged till the knees.

Even while bowling, Shami was not in his full rhythm, while his run-up also did not seem correct. It felt like he was still having trouble running. It has been told in the report that after a short break from bowling, he also had a long discussion with head coach Gautam Gambhir and bowling coach Morne Morkel. After this he again came for bowling but still he did not have the same edge as before.

Why is there tension for Team India?

This condition of Shami has put Team India Management and Selection Committee under the scanner. If Shami is not fully fit yet then what was the need to select him directly for the T20 series? He could have spent some more time in BCCI's Center of Excellence, after which he could have been included in the team between the series. His fitness is also a matter of concern because Shami has also been selected in Team India for the Champions Trophy and in case of injury to Jasprit Bumrah, the team will need Shami very much. In such a situation, Team India will pray that Shami returns to this series as soon as possible.