India vs England Probable Playing XI: Team India is set to take the field once again for a T20 International match under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav. This time, India will face England in a five-match series, which is expected to be very important. The BCCI has already announced the team, and now it’s time to analyze what India’s playing XI could look like in the first match. Specifically, when it comes to the number three position, the decision is still yet to be revealed.
Team India’s Probable Playing XI for First T20 Match Against England
Openers: Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson
Team India’s opening pair for the first T20 match against England on January 22 in Kolkata seems almost certain. With only two openers selected in the squad, it is expected that Abhishek Sharma will open the innings alongside Sanju Samson. Although there were speculations about Ruturaj Gaikwad getting a spot, the selectors have opted for just these two openers.
Number Three: Suryakumar Yadav or Tilak Verma?
The number three spot is up for grabs between captain Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Verma. Suryakumar has proven himself at this position, but in the last two T20 matches against South Africa, Tilak Verma batted at number three and scored two centuries. It remains to be seen whether Suryakumar will continue at this position or whether Tilak will take over.
Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy: All-Rounders in the Mix
Hardik Pandya, a key all-rounder, will likely bat at number five. Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has returned from the Australia tour, is also expected to feature in the squad. Both players contribute with both bat and ball, adding significant strength to the team. Rinku Singh will once again be tasked with the role of a finisher.
🚨 India’s 🇮🇳 squad for T20I series against England 🏴 announced
Suryakumar Yadav (c)
Sanju Samson (wk)
Abhishek Sharma
Tilak Varma
Hardik Pandya
Rinku Singh
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Axar Patel (vc)
Harshit Rana
Arshdeep Singh
Mohammad Shami
Varun Chakravarthy
Ravi Bishnoi
Washington… pic.twitter.com/AszfCC4SUw— Sumit Kapoor (@moneygurusumit) January 11, 2025
Mohammad Shami Returns: The Bowling Line-Up
Mohammad Shami returns to Team India after a long break. Although he has played domestic cricket recently, he will need to prove his fitness in international matches before the Champions Trophy. His place in the playing XI (IND vs ENG) is almost confirmed. Arshdeep Singh will likely provide support in the pace attack. In the spin department, Akshar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy are strong contenders. Akshar has been named vice-captain for this series, which further solidifies his inclusion in the playing XI.
India’s Probable Playing XI for the First T20 Match Against England
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Verma, Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh.
Team India for the England Series:
Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Verma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel (vice-captain), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper).
