Optimism around Shami's return; Akash Deep ruled out for a month

Pacer Mohammed Shami is expected to make his return to the Indian team for the series against England and potentially for the Champions Trophy as well. The veteran pacer, who has been sidelined since the World Cup final in November 2023, recently resumed playing white-ball cricket and is likely to be available for the Indian team.

Shami has been closely monitored by the National Cricket Academy (NCA) medical team, with at least one NCA physio or trainer accompanying him wherever he goes. The selection committee members are likely to attend the Vijay Hazare Trophy knockout matches in Baroda to closely assess Shami's performance. Early indications suggest that his bowling remains unaffected and he is largely trouble free.

Meanwhile, pacer Akash Deep is unlikely to feature in the upcoming white-ball series against England, along with a couple of his current India teammates. He is expected to remain sidelined for at least a month due to back pain.