IND vs ENG: Playing XI of India for the first T20I against England – Prediction
The stage is set for the 1st T20I action between them. India And England as if Gardens of Eden in Kolkata. This will be the opening match between the two countries in a 5-match T20I. The Indian team will be playing for the first time after the defeat. Australia In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. On the other hand, it was only after England entered India and won. New Zealand in a 3-match Test series.
After the test failure, all eyes on the Indian team
The Indian team’s performance in recent months has not been up to par. The team has gradually lost momentum following the ODI series defeat. Sri Lanka, Following a historic series white-wash on New Zealand. The recent series defeat against Australia was another phase of downfall for Indian fans. Hence, Indian fans are hoping that the team will finally gather some crucial winning momentum before the tournament 2025 Winner’s Cup.
Also Read: IND vs ENG: England announce playing XI for first T20I against India; Harry Brooke was named vice-captain
Here is India’s predicted XI for the 1st T20I against England
1. Abhishek Sharma
Abhishek Sharma will be responsible to face the English pacers and provide the team with the much needed start during the T20I series. The 24-year-old recently impressed with the bat as he put up some impressive displays for his country 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. In the year The 30-year-old, who has not featured for the Indian side since their tour of South Africa in November 2024, is likely.
3. Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav is the captain of the Indian team who is popular in the T20I format and his all-rounder. The fans will be rooting for SKY to lead the Indian team from the front and secure a convincing win against England. Along with his leadership, India is backed by his impressive batting ability to ride the English bowling department.
4. Tilak Varma
Like Yadav, Tilak Varma also has a reputation for his ability to move and adapt to the conditions of the game. Tilak is responsible for providing stability and keeping the flow of runs going for the team in adverse conditions.
5. Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya is undoubtedly the cornerstone of strength for this team. India’s chances in this T20I series will be in jeopardy without outstanding performances from both the bat and the ball. Pandya has the ability to change the course of the game with his unique skills in white ball cricket. As a result, both the team and the fans will be eager to deliver him and protect his name.
6. Rinku Singh
Rinku Singh has shown his mettle in the T20I format in the past and has emerged as a regular starter in the Indian team for the shorter format of the game. His explosive batting will be on display at the famous Eden Gardens.
7. Axar Patel
India will continue to rely on Axar Patel’s all-round abilities. Axar has the ability to provide valuable depth in the batting line-up and bowl the crucial transition improvement, trying to pick up some crucial wickets in the process. Hence, Axar is expected to be an integral part of the Playing XI.
8. Muhammad Shami
This will be Mohammed Shami’s first appearance in the Indian jersey after the ODI World Cup 2023. The Indian pace sensation needs to hold his rhythm and be at his absolute best ahead of the all-important Champions Trophy in 2025.
9. Arshdeep Singh
The young pace sensation is known for his wicket-taking ability and early hits for the team. The team will rely on Arshdeep for these essentials and will trouble the Englishman’s sharp deliveries.
10. Nitish Rana
The current T20I series is an opportunity for Nitish Rana to showcase his talent and impress the team management. The youngster has not been included in the Champions Trophy squad, so the series against England will be a rare opportunity for the youngster’s pace 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 1st T20I. Also, the addition of leg-spin in the team will complement Axar’s spin bowling at the other end and could be a bone of contention for the English batsmen.
