Mohammad Shami was not picked in India's playing XI for the first two T20Is against England in Kolkata and Chennai, which sparked fresh injury concerns surrounding the senior pacer.

However, India's new batting coach Sitanshu Kotak on Monday (January 27) clarified that Shami is not dealing with any fitness issues but the decision on him playing the remaining T20Is of the England series will be taken by the captain and the head coach.

Shami has not played for India since his appearance in the 2023 World Cup final. He underwent an operation on his Achilles tendon in February last year, and made his return to competitive action through the first phase of Ranji Trophy and the subsequent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Bengal.

The right-arm quick recently plied his trade in the Vijay Hazare Trophy as well. However, he missed out on the tour of Australia due to swelling in his knee.

The England series, featuring three ODIs too, is supposed to provide Shami with an ideal preparation ahead of the Champions Trophy next month. Hence, his absence from the first two T20Is surprised the fans, experts and many former cricketers.

"Yes, Shami is fit but something about him playing or not playing, I am not the one who can answer," Kotak said when asked if the bowler will feature in third T20I.

Kotak added that it is up to the captain-coach duo of Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir to manage Shami's workload leading up to marquee events like the Champions Trophy, slated to get underway on February 19.

"There is definitely a plan (for Shami) for coming matches as well and One-dayers, but the coach Gautam and obviously Surya will take a call. And fitness, definitely not a problem depending on how they are planning to build this load," the batting coach remarked.

India currently hold a 2-0 lead over England in the five-match T20I series. The third game will be played in Rajkot on Tuesday (January 28).

(With PTI Inputs)