After over a year of battling injuries and setbacks, Mohammed Shami is finally set to don the India jersey once again. The last time he took the new ball, it was the ODI World Cup final in November 2023, when hopes of a billion fans rested on his shoulders. What followed was an unexpected 14-month absence, marked by relentless rehabilitation, unwavering focus, and a burning desire to make a comeback.

Shami's journey back has been anything but easy. Initially on track for a comeback in the New Zealand Tests last March, his hopes were dashed by a strapped knee that forced him to train on the sidelines. Watching India lose a home Test series for the first time since his debut, Shami could only wait.

Attempts to return through domestic cricket were hindered by persistent knee swelling. Despite his efforts, including bowling tirelessly for Bengal in domestic matches, Shami's injury kept him grounded. Questions about his fitness hovered over every press conference, with even skipper Rohit Sharma deferring updates to the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

Now, the stage is set for his much-anticipated return. On Wednesday, at Kolkata's Eden Gardens, Shami will take the new ball alongside Arshdeep Singh in the first T20I against England. It's a moment not just about wickets but also about testing his resilience and readiness for the upcoming challenges.

T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav, excited for Shami’s return, said, "I've seen his journey at the NCA, his dedication to recovery and bowling. It's great to have him back."

At 34, Shami is ready to prove he still has the magic, as fans and the cricketing world watch his comeback with bated breath.