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The stage is set for the first T20I action between India i England to the Gardens of Eden in Calcutta. This will be the opening encounter between the two nations in the 5-match T20I series. The Indian team will be fielding for the first time after the defeat against Australia in the Frontera-Gavaskar Trophy. England, on the other hand, came to India after their triumph against new zealand in the 3-match Test series.
All eyes on Indian team after test failures
The Indian team’s performance has not been up to par in recent months. The team has been losing its style little by little starting with the loss against the ODI series Sri Lanka, followed by a historic series whitewash against New Zealand. The recent series loss against Australia was another chapter of setbacks for Indian fans. Hence, Indian fans are hoping that the team will finally get a crucial winning moment before the Champions Trophy 2025.
Read also: IND vs ENG: England unveil playing XI for 1st T20I vs India; Harry Brook appointed vice-captain
Here is India’s predicted XI for the 1st T20I against England
1. Abhishek Sharma
Abhishek Sharma has the onus to take on the English pacers and provide the team with the much-needed start during the T20I series. The 24-year-old has impressed with the bat recently putting in impressive displays for his home side 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. The stakes are high for the 30-year-old who has not featured in the Indian side 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 versatile game. Fans are hoping that SKY will lead their Indian team from the front and guide them to a convincing win against England. Apart from his leadership, India are also banking on his incredible batting skills to navigate the English bowling unit.
4. Tilak Varma
Like Yadav, Tilak Varma also has a reputation for dynamism and adaptability as per the game situation. Tilak will be responsible for providing stability and keeping the flow of runs constant in adverse conditions for the team.
5. Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya is undoubtedly the cornerstone of this team’s strength. India’s chances in this T20I series would be under threat without his excellent 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 the fans will be counting on him to live up to his reputation.
6. Rinku Singh
Rinku Singh has shown his mettle in the T20I format in the past and has become a regular starter in the Indian team for the shortest format of the game. His explosive batting would be a sight to behold at the iconic Eden Gardens.
7. Axar Patel
India will rely on Axar Patel’s all-round skills throughout the series. Axar has the ability to provide precious depth to the batting line-up and throw the crucial transitions, with a bid to pick up some crucial wickets in the process. Thus, 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 have to pick up his pace and be 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 squad would 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 has not been included in the Champions Trophy squad and hence the series against England is a rare opportunity for the young pacer to shine ahead of the prestigious tournament.
11. Varun Chakraborty
The experienced domestic spinner has impressed during the Vijay Hazare Trophy and hence is expected to start in the playing eleven of the 1st T20I. Also, a leg-spin addition to the team would complement Axar’s off-spin bowling at the other end and may be a point of contention for the English batsmen.
