The stage is set for the first T20I between India and England in Eden Gardens In Kolkata. This will be the opening encounter between the two countries in the 5-match T20I series. The Indian team will make its debut after the defeat against… Australia In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. On the other hand, England arrived in India after its victory over India New Zealand In a 3-match Test series.
All eyes are on the Indian team after their failures in the Test
The Indian team’s performance has not been up to par in recent months. The team has gradually lost its flair starting with the ODI series defeat to sri lanka, Followed by a historic series against New Zealand. The recent defeat to Australia was another chapter of setback for the Indian fans. Thus, Indian fans are now hoping that the team can finally gather some crucial winning momentum ahead of the World Cup Champions Cup 2025.
Also Read: IND vs ENG: England unveil playing XI for first T20I against India; Harry Brooke was appointed deputy commander
Here is India’s expected lineup for the first T20I against England
1. Abhishek Sharma
Abhishek Sharma has the responsibility of taking on the IPL players and providing the team with the much-needed start during the T20I series. The 24-year-old has impressed with the bat as he recently produced impressive performances for his local team Punjab.
2. Sanju Samson
This is a golden opportunity for Sanju Samson to show why he should be a regular for the Indian team in white-ball cricket. The stakes are high for the 30-year-old who has not featured for the Indian national team since the tour of South Africa in November 2024.
3. Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav is the captain of the Indian team in the T20I format and is known for his versatile playing style. Fans expect Sky to lead his Indian team from the front and lead them to a convincing victory over England. Along with his leadership, India are also backing his amazing batting skills to sail through the England bowling unit.
4. Tilak Pharma
Like Yadav, Tilak Varma also has a reputation for dynamism and the ability to adapt depending on the game situation. Tilak will be responsible for providing stability and maintaining a consistent run flow in adverse conditions for the team.
5. Hardik Pandya
Without a doubt, Hardik Pandya is the cornerstone of this team’s strength. India’s chances in this T20I series will certainly be threatened without his outstanding performance with both bat and ball. Pandya has the ability to change the course of the game with his exceptional skills in white-ball cricket. As a result, both the team and fans will eagerly rely on him to live up to his reputation.
6. Rinku Singh
Rinku Singh has proven his prowess in the T20I format in the past and has emerged as a key player in the Indian team for the shortest format of the game. His explosive batting will be a sight to behold at the famous Eden Gardens.
7. Axar Patel
India will be relying on Axar Patel’s all-round abilities throughout the series. Axar has the ability to provide valuable depth to the batting line-up and take crucial shifts, while trying to take some crucial wickets in the process. Hence, Axar is expected to be an integral part of the playing XI.
8. Muhammad Al-Shami
This will be the first time that Mohammed Shami will play in the Indian jersey after the ODI World Cup 2023. The Indian pace sensation will need to catch his rhythm and be at his all-time best before the all-important Champions Trophy 2025.
9. Arshdeep Singh
The young pace sensation is known for his ability to take wickets and make some early breakthroughs for the team. The team will rely on Arshdeep for these two important things and trouble the English batsmen with his sharp deliveries.
10. Nitish Rana
The current T20I series is an opportunity for Nitish Rana to showcase his skills and impress the team management. The youngster was not included in the Champions Trophy squad, so the encounter against England represents a rare opportunity for the youngster to shine ahead of the prestigious tournament.
11. Varun Chakraborty
The veteran domestic spinner has impressed during the Vijay Hazare Trophy and is therefore expected to start in the playing XI for the first T20I. Additionally, the addition of leg-spin into the team would complement the off-spin bowling that Axar does on the off side and could be a bone of contention among the English batsmen.