Defending T20 World Cup Champions India will kick off 2025 with a much-anticipated five-match T20I series against England at home, under the direction of Suryakumar Yadav. India will step on their own ground with the clear intention of winning the series.
India and England prepare for high-stakes T20I showdown
Following their impressive 3-1 win over South Africa in difficult away conditions, India will now turn their attention to hosting England. The matches will be played at iconic venues including Kolkata, Chennai, Rajkot, Pune and Mumbai, ensuring cricket fans across the country get a taste of world-class action. With both teams having firepower in their ranks, the series promises to offer an exciting spectacle for cricket enthusiasts.
This series is of immense importance as it also serves as a preparatory phase for the T20 World Cup 2026. With just over a year to go until the main event, each match in this bilateral contest will serve as an opportunity for team management to test strategies and refine player roles. India will look to gain clarity on batting combinations, bowling depth and match-winning partnerships, ensuring they are well-equipped for future challenges. Building momentum in this series will not only boost the team’s confidence but will also set the tone for a packed cricket calendar leading up to the World Cup.
Here is India’s planned squad for the T20I series against England
India’s likely team for the series is likely to strike a balance between seasoned campaigners and rising stars eager to make their mark. Established players will look to reinforce their status as reliable match-winners, while newcomers will bring new energy and innovation to the team. This combination ensures depth and versatility in all departments, allowing the team to adapt to different conditions. With high stakes and fierce competition, the series provides a platform for players to claim a place in the World Cup team and contribute to India’s cricket legacy.
1. Abhishek Sharma
An all-rounder with a great ability to contribute in multiple roles. His aggressive batting in the top order helps India build on the early momentum. He also provides a valuable spin bowling option, adding balance to the team.
2. Sanju Samson (week)
A classy wicketkeeper-batsman with a knack for scoring runs quickly in the middle overs. His clean stroke and ability to find holes make him a key player when setting or chasing goals. Behind the stumps, he provides reliable glove work.
3.Rajat Patidar
A consistent top-order batsman known for building innings under pressure. His ability to rotate the strike and find boundaries ensures stability in the batting lineup. Often establishes partnerships to keep the team on track.
4. Tilak Varma
A promising middle-order batsman with an eye for attacking opportunities. It handles both spin and pace with ease, making it a reliable choice in challenging situations. His ability to finish innings strongly is an added advantage.
5. Suryakumar Yadav (c)
A leader who leads by example with his fearless batting approach. His innovative strokeplay disrupts bowlers’ plans, especially in the mid overs. As captain, he brings tactical knowledge and composure to the team.
6. Rinku Singh
A finisher who thrives under pressure and excels at chasing down steep targets. His ability to make big shots at crucial moments makes him a vital asset. He adds depth to the batting line-up with his calm and collected mentality.
7. Prabhsimran Singh (week, substitute opener)
An attacking batsman who can offer explosive openings at the top of the order. As a substitute goalkeeper, he guarantees flexibility in team selection. His ability to adapt to different roles makes him a reliable choice.
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8. Hardik Pandya
A reliable all-rounder who can change the game with both bat and ball. His powerful knock in the lower order helps accelerate scoring, while his bowling accuracy provides breakthroughs when needed.
9. Axar Patel
A left-arm spinner who consistently bowls economical spells while taking crucial wickets. He also contributes useful runs in the lower order, making him a consistent performer in high-pressure games.
10. Kuldeep Yadav
A wrist-spinner with the ability to trouble batsmen with sharp turns and clever variations. His ability to break partnerships in the middle makes him a key figure in the bowling attack.
11. Varun Chakraborty
A mystery spinner with an arsenal of deceptive deliveries. His ability to bowl tight lines in the middle helps contain runs and pick crucial wickets. Thrives in T20 cricket conditions.
12. Arshdeep Singh
A left-arm pacer known for his accurate yorkers in the death overs. He combines pace and swing effectively, making him a threat in the powerplay and late innings.
13. Yash Dayal
A left-arm fast bowler who brings pace and movement to the attack. His ability to swing the ball early often results in breakthroughs on the power play. Adds variety to the rhythm lineup.
14. Avesh Khan
A right-arm pacer who generates pace and bounce to challenge the batsmen. His ability to take wickets in the middle and mortals makes him a valuable asset. He often bowls with intensity, keeping batsmen on edge.
15. Ramandeep Singh
A hard-hitting lower-order batsman who can accelerate the scoring in the final overs. His medium pace bowling provides a useful and versatile option, giving the team flexibility in balancing the playing XI.