Mohammed Shami's much-awaited return to top-flight cricket did not receive too many supporting signals during the seasoned pacer's nearly hour-long stint of varying intensity at the India nets here on Friday.

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?

Mohammed Shami was left out of India’s playing XI for the first T20 against England on Wednesday. While he was expected to make the playing XI on Wednesday, Abhishek Sharma said that it was the team management’s call given the conditions.

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.

India pacer Mohammed Shami's return to international cricket will have to wait for some more time after he was left out of India's playing XI against England for the 1st T20I on Wednesday (Jan 22). Shami last played for India in ODI World Cup 2023 final on November 19 at home which India lost to Australia.

Mohammed Shami was not picked in the playing XI for the match against England in Kolkata as the team management preferred three spinners as part of combination.