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The stage is set for the first T20I action between India and England to the Gardens of Eden in Calcutta. This will be the inaugural match between the two nations in the 5-match T20I series. The Indian team will participate for the first time after the defeat against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. England, for its part, arrived in India after its victory against New Zealand in the 3-match test series.
All eyes on the Indian team after their failures in the tests.
The Indian team’s performance has not been up to the mark in the last few months. The team has been gradually losing its style since its defeat in the ODI series against Sri Lanka, followed by a historic series whitewash against New Zealand. The recent series loss against Australia was another chapter of setback for the Indian fans. Therefore, Indian fans are now hoping that the team will finally get a decisive momentum to win before the match. Champions Trophy 2025.
Also Read: IND vs ENG: England unveil their XI for first T20I against India; Harry Brook named vice-captain
Here is India’s planned XI for the first T20I against England
1. Abhishek Sharma
The onus is on Abhishek Sharma to take on the English pacers and give the team the much-needed start during the T20I series. The 24-year-old has impressed with the bat recently putting in impressive displays for his local team Punjab.
2. Sanju Samson
This is a golden opportunity for Sanju Samson to show why he should be a regular starter for the Indian team in white-ball cricket. There is a lot at stake for the 30-year-old who has not played for the Indian team since the tour of South Africa in November 2024.
3. Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav is the leader of the Indian team in T20I format and is popular for his all-round game. Fans are hoping that SKY will lead his Indian team from the front and guide them to a convincing victory against England. Apart from his leadership, India also backs his incredible batting skills to navigate through the English bowling unit.
4. Tilak Varma
Like Yadav, Tilak Varma also has a reputation for dynamism and ability to adapt according to the game situation. Tilak will be responsible for providing stability and keeping the flow of racing stable 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 would certainly be threatened without his outstanding performances with both bat and ball. Pandya possesses 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 count on him to deliver and live up to his reputation.
6. Rinku Singh
Rinku Singh has shown his prowess in the T20I format in the past and has become a regular starter in the Indian team during the shortest format of the game. His explosive batting would be a sight to watch at the iconic Eden Gardens.
7. Axar Patel
India will depend on Axar Patel’s all-round skills throughout the series. Axar has the ability to provide precious depth in the batting line-up and bowl crucial transitions, attempting to take some crucial wickets in the process. Therefore, Axar is expected to be an integral part of the Playing XI.
8. Mohammed 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 regain his rhythm and emerge at his best ahead of the all-important Champions Trophy 2025.
9.Arshdeep Singh
The young pace sensation is known for his wicket-taking ability and making some early breakthroughs for the team. The team would rely on Arshdeep for these two important things and would trouble the English batsmen with his accurate deliveries.
10. Nitish Frog
The ongoing T20I series is an opportunity for Nitish Rana to showcase his skills and impress the team management. The youngster has not been included in the Champions Trophy squad and hence the series against England is a rare opportunity for the youngster to shine ahead of the prestigious tournament.
11. Varun Chakraborty
The experienced domestic spinner impressed during the Vijay Hazare Trophy and is therefore expected to start in the playing XI for the first T20I. Also, a leg-spin addition to the team would complement Axar’s off-spin bowling at the other end and may be a bone of contention for the English batsmen.
