The first match of the 5-match T20 series between India and England will be played in Kolkata. This series is crucial not only for India but also for the head coach of the team, Gautam Gambhir. Everything is at stake for him. Since his arrival, the Indian team has faced several disappointing defeats in ODIs and Tests. First, the team lost the ODI series to Sri Lanka after 27 years, followed by a historic whitewash in Tests. Additionally, after 10 years, they lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to Australia. Now, there is a fear that Team India may also lose the T20 series to England, ending an 11-year unbeaten streak.
India’s Record Against England in T20
India has not lost to England in a T20 series since 2014. The last time India was defeated by England in a T20 series was at their home ground, where England won 1-0. Since then, India has dominated in every series between the two teams, winning four T20 series – two at home and two in England. Now, there is a lot of pressure on head coach Gautam Gambhir to maintain this winning streak. A defeat in Kolkata would increase the pressure on him.
T20 Record Between India and England
In total, India and England have played 24 T20 matches, with India winning 13 and England winning 11, giving India the upper hand. The most recent encounter was in the T20 World Cup, where India defeated England in the semi-finals. The last T20 series between the two teams was in 2022 in England, where India won 2-1 in the 3-match series.
Gautam Gambhir Era :
– Lost ODI Series vs SL (2-0)
– Lost Test Series vs NZ at home (3-0)
– Bowled out for 46 at home
– Ended the 12 years Test Series Winning Streak
– Lost Pink Ball Test (Adelaide)
– Lost MCG Test
– Lost SCG Test#INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/zXzg8w3Fw3— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) January 5, 2025
India’s Recent Form in T20
Under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, India has been in great form, winning their last three T20 series against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and South Africa. Out of 10 matches, India won 9 and lost only 1. England, too, has shown strong form, winning their most recent T20 series 3-1 against the West Indies.
𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮 Under Gambhir in (𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁/𝗢𝗗𝗜𝘀)
– After 27yrs, Lost a Bilateral ODI Series vs SL
– For 1st time, Lost 30 Wickets in a 3 match ODI Series
– After 45yrs, India Remained Winless in a Calendar Year in ODIs
– After 36yrs, India Lost Test v NZ at Home
– After… pic.twitter.com/ccjjHUusX5
— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) January 5, 2025
India’s Record in Kolkata
Kolkata’s Eden Gardens has been a strong venue for India, having won 6 out of 7 T20 matches played there. However, India’s only T20 defeat at this ground came against England. This old record could add some pressure, and India will have to remain cautious going into the match.