India has won the toss and elected to bowl first in the series-opening T20 against England's cricketers in Kolkata. 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.

There was a big surprise as far as India's playing XI is concerned with star pacer Mohammed Shami unable to make the cut.

Mohammed Shami brings class and experience with him and naturally, the Indian team management is happy with his return.

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.

Mohammed Shami will play his first international match in the first T20I against England since ODI World Cup 2023 final

Mohammed Shami's bowling was the focus of India's first training session in Kolkata ahead of their T20I series against England that gets underway on January 22. Shami, who has not played international cricket since the 2023 ODI World Cup final,

However, before the thrilling T20I series, the squad for the coveted Champions Trophy was announced which featured some players marking their return after injury. One of them was none other than the

BCCI posted a special video of Mohammed Shami's first practice session with the Indian cricket team to celebrate the veteran pacer's return.

Seamer Mohammed Shami started training with the India squad at the iconic Eden Gardens ahead of the T20I series against England.With Jasprit Bumrah out of the squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series,