Mohammed Shami set for comeback in IND vs ENG 2025 T20I series, Rishabh Pant overlooked: Reports

Team India's ace fast bowler Mohammed Shami is closing in on his national return as he has reportedly been picked for the upcoming five-game T20I series against England, which begins on January 22. However, keeper-batter Rishabh Pant is a notable omission from the same, missing out on the second wicketkeeper's spot.

Shami hasn't donned the national colurs since the 2023 World Cup final against Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad when the Men in Blue lost by six wickets.

However, he has played in the Ranji Trophy, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy after undergoing surgery for his ankle injury. The veteran still missed out on being part of India's squad for the Australia tour after developing a swelling on his knee.

A BCCI statement from December 23 stated on Shami:

"Based on the current medical assessment, the BCCI medical team has determined that his knee requires more time for controlled exposure to bowling loads. Consequently, he has not been deemed fit for consideration for the remaining two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy."

By playing in the T20I series against England, the 34-year-old will look to push his case for the Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19.

Mohammed Shami makes comeback but Dhruv Jurel preferred over Rishabh Pant in Team India's T20 squad to face England

Rishabh Pant. (Image Credits: Getty)

The report by The Indian Express states that the selectors have preferred Dhruv Jurel over Pant as the second wicketkeeper in the squad, with Sanju Samson being the first choice.

All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who made his Test debut in Australia and his maiden international appearance during the T20 series against Bangladesh, has also got the nod.

Riyan Parag has reportedly missed out due to injury. The T20 series begins on January 22 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The venues for the four other games are Chennai, Rajkot, Pune and Mumbai.