That Mohammed Shami is not participating in the T20Is against England has raised eyebrows about his fitness, but the newly appointed batting coach has confirmed that Shami is fit. However, whether he will play or not depends on the captain and the head coach, Gautam Gambhir. Since the 2023 ODI World Cup, Shami has not played any international games. After his rehab, he was named in the 5-match T20I series against England. He was also named in the home ODI series against England, followed by the Champions Trophy. However, he did not play the first two T20Is against England, which raised questions about his fitness. On Tuesday, speaking to the media, Kotak said, "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." Read also: Rohit, Iyer, Jaiswal Skip Ranji Clash Ahead of England ODI Series Shami's injury Shami has played the 2023 ODI World Cup while taking repeated medications for his ankle issue. He then later underwent surgery and attended the NCA recovery process. After that, he was travelling with the Bengal team during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, when some issues arose reagrading his knee. He was supposed to join the Indian team in Australia for the Border Gavaskar Trophy. However, when the possibilities said he might join the team in the middle of the tournament, his delayed fitness forced him to miss it entirely. That Shami will play the Champions Trophy is a big positive, but Jasprit Bumrah is yet to get a RTP (Return to Play) certificate for the tournament.