Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra was perplexed after Mohammed Shami was not included in India’s playing XI for the opening T20I against England at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Wednesday.
Shami had proved his match fitness in the domestic tournaments and thus he was added to India’s squad for the five-match T20I series against England. However, the seamer was ignored in the final XI as India decided to play three spinners – Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, and Axar Patel.
The team’s think tank decision to play the spin trio was vindicated after the spin trio collectively returned with figures of 5-67 in the 12 overs they bowled.
“It’s a massive topic. It is huge for all of us because no one is saying anything. Something might have been said in the (post-match) press conference but I am not aware of it at the time of recording. Where is Shami? What are you doing?” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
“He had huge strappings on his legs. He had marked his run-up and we thought he would definitely play, but Shami didn’t play. Shami playing is critical to everyone’s health, yours, mine, and the Indian team’s,” he observed.
The renowned commentator feels Shami didn’t play as he might not have been 100% fit before the clash.
“One match has passed and only four are left. He hasn’t played the first match, and if he hasn’t played, the only meaning of that is he wasn’t 100 percent fit. If he had been fit, no excuse would work, that the pitch wasn’t good, you wanted to play spin, you wished to play Ravi Bishnoi as well, and wanted to go with three spinners” he said (10:50).
Chopra said he is a bit concerned about Mohammed Shami’s fitness after his absence in the opening game.
“One match has passed and only four are left. He hasn’t played the first match, and if he hasn’t played, the only meaning of that is he wasn’t 100 percent fit. If he had been fit, no excuse would work, that the pitch wasn’t good, you wanted to play spin, you wished to play Ravi Bishnoi as well, and wanted to go with three spinners” he said.
The second T20I between India and England will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Saturday.
