Team India will be aiming to extend its lead when it faces England in the second T20I of the series in Chennai but are Mohammed Shami and Abhishek Sharma fit?

Shami’s omission from India’s playing XI in the first T20I sparked a debate across social media and news platforms.

However, he did not make it to the XI. Shami not playing in Kolkata was met with intense speculations regarding his fitness levels, something which would be crucial for India's run in the upcoming Champions Trophy.

Was Mohammed Shami not fit? Wasn't the whole idea of picking Shami for the England T20Is to give him match practice for the Champions Trophy?

Shami's comeback was originally scheduled to take place in India's first T20I against England in Kolkata on Wednesday, but the management postponed it.

In a blow to the Indian cricket team, fast bowler Mohammed Shami was left out of the Playing XI for the first match of the five-game T20I series against England being held at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The decision has dampened hopes of Shami's much-awaited return to international cricket.

India won the toss and chose to bowl first in the series-opening T20 against England's cricketers in Kolkata on Wednesday. Mohammed Shami missed out for India despite the fast bowler being available after more than a year on the sidelines.

The 34-year-old is returning to the national team for the first time since the 2023 Cricket World Cup final after an extended period away from the game.

After a comprehensive drubbing in Kolkata, ENG will be hopeful of a much-better show to inject some life into the five-match series.

India, buoyant after their first T20I victory against England, looks to continue their dominant run in the second match on Saturday. With the return of pacer Mohammed Shami and a strong spin attack, India aims to capitalize on England's weakness against spin.