New Delhi: Pace spearhead Mohammed Shami has made a comeback to the Indian squad for Asia Cup T20 2016 and World T20 2016.
The announcement came today after a meeting held by BCCI officials in the national capital today.
The Bengal pacer was ruled out of India's tour of Australia due to injury. He sustained a Grade II injury to his left hamstring which restricted Shami to playing active cricket for about four to six weeks.
Earlier, Bhuvneshwar Kumar had replaced Shami in Indian squad against Autralia.
Shami hasn't played for the country since the 2015 World Cup due to a knee injury. He was named in the limited-overs squads for the tour of Australia, but was withdrawn due to another injury.
Uncapped left-arm slow bowler Pawan Negi was also picked. The same team would take on Sri Lanka in a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka starting next week.
Young batsman Manish Pandey, who impressed with a match-winning century in the third T20 against Australia recently, wasn't named in the squad. Pacers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ishant Sharma were also left out.
Read Also: Injured Mohammed Shami ruled out, Bhuvneshwar in for Australia series
Batsman Ajinkya Rahane, injured during the One-Day series against Australia, was selected. The selectors also expectedly included star batsman Virat Kohli after resting him for the three-match T20 series against Sri Lanka.
India is in Group B alongside New Zealand, Pakistan, Australia and a yet-to-be-decided qualifier in the premier tournament that is being hosted by India.
"Whether he is fit, a contributor in the real sense which will benefit the outcome of the entire tour. It is not only about seniors, we are looking at players' current performances," said chairman of selection committee Sandeep Patil.
Commenting on Shami, Patil added, ''we have 30 days now, so Shami has time. We have good time for making a call on Shami, he has been one of the best bowlers. He has recovered.''
Team India for ICC World T20:
Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina Yuvraj Singh, Ajinkya Rahane, MS Dhoni (Captain and wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya, R Ashwin, Harbhajan Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Ashish Nehra, Pawan Negi, Mohammad Shami.
(With inputs IANS)
