IND vs ENG: The first T20 match played between India and England at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata thrilled cricket lovers. The Indian team performed brilliantly and won the match by 7 wickets. However, the absence of Mohammed Shami in this match became a topic of discussion among fans and cricket pundits. The non-inclusion of Shami, whose fast bowling is considered to be India's strength, in the playing XI raises many questions, especially when the match was played on the Eden Gardens pitch conducive for fast bowlers.Team India came out with three spinnersIn this match, the Indian team adopted a different strategy and fielded three key spinners - Varun Chakraborty, Axar Patel, and Ravi Bishnoi. This decision surprised many, as Eden Gardens is traditionally considered a helpful pitch for fast bowlers. Despite this, the team management kept Shami on the bench. Captain Suryakumar Yadav clarified after the match that this decision was taken keeping in mind the condition of the pitch and the team's strategy.Shami's absence: strategy or fitness?Mohammed Shami was out of international cricket for the last one year. He last played in the 2023 ODI World Cup, after which he had to stay away from the field for a long time due to ankle injury and surgery. However, returning to domestic cricket in October 2024, Shami proved both his fitness and form. He performed brilliantly while playing for Bengal, after which he was included in the team for the T20 series and the Champions Trophy against England.Fans expected Shami to start with the new ball for India in Kolkata, but the decision to keep him out fueled speculation about his fitness. However, captain Suryakumar dismissed these speculations and called it a completely strategic decision. He said, "We gave the responsibility of bowling with the new ball to Hardik Pandya and included additional spinners, as we felt it would provide better balance to the team."Fans' disappointmentShami's fans had been waiting for a long time for his return to the field. Before the start of the series against England, he had promised his fans a strong comeback in international cricket. But the fans were disappointed by being left out in the first match. Questions were also raised on Shami's absence on social media.Way forwardEven though this decision was part of the strategy, it was a big decision not to include an experienced player like Shami in the playing XI. All eyes will be on his return in the upcoming matches in this series. The team management will have to ensure that the balance of the team is maintained by giving opportunities to players like Shami and taking full advantage of their abilities.ConclusionThe Indian team's victory in the first T20 match in Kolkata gave a strong start to the series. However, Shami's absence gave rise to discussion among cricket lovers. It will be interesting to see whether Team India is able to include him in the playing XI in the upcoming matches or not.