Team India kicked off a five-match T20I series against England with a seven-wicket win in the opening match at the Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata on Wednesday, January 22. With a target of 133 set by Jos Buttler’s side,

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

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.