'Takes time for a vehicle to get warmed up' - Aakash Chopra on importance of Mohammed Shami to play second England T20I

Ahead of the buildup of the ongoing T20I series between India and England, there was a lot of buzz regarding Mohammed Shami making an international comeback in the series opener. However, he did not make it to the XI. Shami not playing in Kolkata was met with intense speculations regarding his fitness levels, something which would be crucial for India's run in the upcoming Champions Trophy.

Former cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra, shared that based on the information he has come across, Shami might not play the second T20I too.

"Where is Mohammed Shami? That is a big, big, big question. As per the reports I have read, he won't play here (Chennai) as well. He didn't play the first match and might not play the second match. You are racing against time now because (Jasprit) Bumrah might play the last ODI and if these two T20Is pass for Mohammed Shami, only three games and the three ODIs will be left," shared Chopra in a video posted on his YouTube channel.

Chopra further elaborated on the dilemma Shami and the team management face with regard to letting the speedster play in the second game of the series.

"There is still some time, but time is also running out. It is a slight dichotomy that time is there and not there. It's there because six games are left if he doesn't play this one, but it's not there because he hasn't played international cricket since 14–15 months. It takes time for a vehicle to get warmed up. It's not a petrol engine, it's a diesel engine. He is aged and is a fast bowler," he noted.

If he is still not ready, how would he have been ready then?: Chopra

The former Indian opener further went on to share that the selection committee of the BCCI were correct in their stance of not exposing Shami to the Tests against Australia Down Under.

"If you rewind the tape, a lot of questions were being asked when he wasn't going for the BGT, as to why he wasn't being played. Rohit (Sharma) wasn't able to answer them. He said the NCA (National Cricket Academy) should be asked about it, that they haven't got the fitness report, he has gotten a swelling. It's been one-and-a-half months since then. The selectors and team management were right because the guy is not ready at all. He is not ready even after playing in the Ranji Trophy, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. If he is still not ready, how would he have been ready then?," added Chopra.

The five-match T20I series will be followed by India playing three ODIs against England. These games remain the only chance for Shami to blend into the XI and get his mojo back before the high-octane Champions Trophy gets underway.