The stage is all set for the 1st T20I action between India and England at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This will be the opening encounter between the two nations in the 5-match T20I series. The Indian team will feature for the first time after defeat against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. England, on the other hand, arrived in India after their triumph against New Zealand in the 3-match Test series.
All eyes on the Indian team after their Test failures
The Indian team’s performance has not been up to the mark in recent months. The team has gradually lost its flair starting with their ODI series defeat against Sri Lanka, followed by a historic series white-wash against New Zealand. The recent series defeat against Australia was another chapter of setback for Indian fans. Thus, Indian fans are now hoping that the team would finally gather some crucial winning momentum before the Champions Trophy 2025.
Also Read: IND vs ENG: England unveils playing XI for the first T20I against India; Harry Brook named vice-captain
Here is India’s Predicted XI for the 1st T20I against England
1. Abhishek Sharma
Abhishek Sharma has the responsibility to face 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 impressive displays for his domestic side, Punjab.
2. Sanju Samson
This is a golden opportunity for Sanju Samson to showcase as to why he should be a regular starter for the Indian team in white ball cricket. 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 gameplay. Fans expect SKY to lead his Indian team from the front and guide them for a convincing win against England. Beside his leadership, India is also backing on his amazing batting skills to sail through the English bowling unit.
4. Tilak Varma
Much like Yadav, Tilak Varma also carries a reputation for dynamism and ability to adapt according to the situation of the game. Tilak will be responsible for providing stability and keeping the flow of the runs steady in adverse conditions for the team.
5. Hardik Pandya
Without question, Hardik Pandya is the cornerstone of strength for this team. India’s chances in this T20I series would certainly be under threat 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 the fans will be eagerly counting on him to deliver and live up to his reputation.
6. Rinku Singh
Rinku Singh has proved his prowess in T20I format in the past and has emerged as a regular starter in the Indian team for 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 rely on Axar Patel’s all-round abilities throughout the series. Axar has the ability to provide precious depth in the batting line-up and bowl the crucial transition overs, with an attempt to take 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 Mohammed Shami will be playing in the Indian jersey after the ODI World Cup 2023. The Indian pace sensation will need to catch his rhythm and emerge at his absolute best before the all-important Champions Trophy 2025.
9. Arshdeep Singh
The young pace sensation is known for his wicket-taking ability and getting some early breakthroughs for the team. The squad would be relying on Arshdeep for both these important things and trouble the English batters with his sharp deliveries.
10. Nitish Rana
The current T20I series is an opportunity for Nitish Rana to show his skills and impress the team management. The youngster has not been included in the Champions Trophy squad and thus the series against England is a rare opportunity for the young pacer to shine before the prestigious tournament.
11. Varun Chakaravarthy
The seasoned domestic spinner has impressed during the Vijay Hazare Trophy and therefore is expected to start in the playing XI for the 1st T20I. Additionally, a leg-spin addition in the team would complement the off-spin bowling by Axar on the other side and can be a bone of contention for the English batters.