India have announced their squad for the T20I series against England, bringing back Mohammed Shami into the side after over a year-long injury layoff.
Shami returns
The notable inclusion was that of Mohammed Shami, who hasn't played international cricket since the ODI World Cup final,against Australia in November 2023. Since then, there has been considerable speculation over his potential comeback date, which has been pushed back by issues in his knee during recuperation.
To prove his fitness, he has played the Ranji Trophy, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as well as the Vijay Hazare Trophy. However, he couldn't be fit in time to feature on the Australia tour.
No place for Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant, not too long ago India's first-choice wicketkeeper in all three formats, has been left out. Sanju Samson, who hit back-to-back T20I centuries last year, would be the first keeper. Dhruv Jurel, who debuted in Tests last year, makes it to the T20I squad as the second keeper.
Nitish Kumar Reddyalso makes the cut
The all-rounder, who was India's breakout star at the Australia tour, has also been included. He impressed on his first international assignment, against Bangladesh late last year. He scored 74 off 34 in just his second T20I game, and also adds to the bowling options.
Among spinners, India have chosen Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi and Varun Chakravarthy. Axar has also been named as the vice-captain of the side.
With Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja all retiring from T20Is in 2024, the series will be another step towards building India's core for the next edition of the T20 World Cup, to be held in India next year.
Among the other prominent names not part of the squad are Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah: the latter is recovering from a back injury sustained during the Australia tour.
The England white-ball series will be followed closely by the 2025 Champions Trophy.
India vs England T20Is: Full India squad
Batters
Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh
Wicketkeepers
Sanju Samson, Dhruv Jurel
All-rounders
Abhishek Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel (vc), Washington Sundar
Bowlers
Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakravarthy
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