IND vs ENG 2025: Why is Mohammed Shami not playing 4th T20I against England 2025?

Why is Mohammed Shami not playing 4th T20I against England? (Photo Source: Twitter/X).

The fourth T20I of the five-match series between India and England is being played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. After winning the first couple of games, the hosts lost the one played in Rajkot by a 26-run margin.

As for England, they would be highly keen on carrying forward the momentum into this fixture. They would be high on confidence after a clinical all-round performance brought them back into the series. The ongoing clash between the two sides is expected to be a cracker of a contest.

For the first time in the series, Jos Buttler won the toss. The English skipper admitted that he was unsure whether the moisture would kick in as the game progresses or not.

“We are gonna bowl first this evening. It feels like a great atmosphere already, the series is nicely set up. Very happy with that performance, we have areas to improve, but happy to get the win. A little bit unsure to be the honest with the dew, if it will come in or not. We have two changes – Mahmood for Wood, Bethell for Smith.” shared Buttler at the toss.

Skipper Yadav wants India to play ‘good brand of cricket’

Suryakumar Yadav emphasised the need to keep things simple. Much to everyone’s surprise, he announced a total of three changes from the previous game.

“It is all about coming here and playing a good brand of cricket. Stick to the basics. We have left that game in Rajkot. Hopefully, we put up an entertaining show for this crowd. A little bit on the drier side, put runs on the board and defend. Arshdeep comes in place of Shami, Rinku comes in for Jurel, and we have had some firepower – Shivam Dube comes in for Washington Sundar,” the hosts skipper revealed.

Mohammed Shami left out, Arshdeep back

After making his international comeback after a protracted hiatus of over 14 months due to an ankle injury which kept him out of the global scene, Mohammed Shami was surprisingly rested for the ongoing game. Although Suryakumar did not mention the reason for this particular change, it could be understood that the Indian team management would have been a little circumspect on Shami’s fitness levels after the game in Rajkot.

Although he did bowl three overs in the previous game, it was clearly evident that the right-arm speedster wasn’t bowling at full tilt. It could also be added that Shami might be rested to keep him fresh for the upcoming three-match ODI series against the same opposition. Meanwhile, India’s leading T20I wicket-taker, Arshdeep Singh, was included in this game’s XI after he himself was rested for Shami in the previous one.

India vs England Playing 11 for 4th T20I

India

Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakravarthy

England

Philip Salt (wk), Ben Duckett, Jos Buttler (c), Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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