IND vs ENG: In the past few months, the Indian cricket team has outshined as one of the best teams in the current generation. The youngsters have played a pivotal role in this; players like Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, and Yashasvi Jaiswal have brought aggression into the Indian lineup with their amazing stroke play.
This infusion of youthful energy, combined with the experience of players like Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav, has created a well-rounded squad capable of excelling in all conditions. The five-match T20I series between India and England is set to take place from 22nd January to 2nd February, followed by a three-match ODI series.
Due to the excessive work stress in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, several prominent players, such as Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, Rishabh Pant, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, are expected to be rested.
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Here’s India’s predicted Playing XI for first T20I match vs. England in Eden Gardens, Kolkata
1. Ruturaj Gaikwad
The right-handed batter, Ruturaj Gaikwad, has been a rising star for the Indian cricket team in the T20I format. Though the batter has not very often featured in the Indian side, this might be a huge opening for the CSK skipper.
The opener has scored 633 runs in 20 innings with a strike rate of 143.53. His short career includes one century and 4 fifties, with an average of 39.56.
2: Sanju Samson
Indian top-order batter Sanju Samson has emerged as one of the most dynamic and talented cricketers in India’s white-ball setup. His immense talent has outshone many to rise up for the Indian side and thus ended up scoring 3 hundreds in 5 consecutive matches against Bangladesh and South Africa.
In 33 innings, Sanju Samson has scored 810 runs with an average and strike rate of 27.93 and 155.17, respectively. He is the only Indian batter to score consecutive T20I hundreds (2).
3: Tilak Varma
The left-handed batter is known for his calm temperament and fearless batting. The batter has accumulated a total of 616 runs from 19 innings. He has an average of above 50 with a 161.25 strike rate. His ability to handle pressure situations and play with a wide range of strokes has made him a reliable middle-order batter, especially in T20Is.
4: Suryakumar Yadav (C)
Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has transformed the T20I format with his innovative shots and fearless approach. He has consistently delivered match-winning performances, and he has established himself as one of the top T20 players in the world. From 74 innings, the batter has scored 2,570 runs with an average of 40.79. SKY has 4 centuries and 21 fifties to his name.
5: Rinku Singh
The left-handed finisher Rinku Singh has been one of the most exciting emerging talents in Indian cricket. Known for his aggressive batting style and powerful hitting, Rinku is a definite match-winner and a successful finisher for the Indians.
In 22 innings, he has accumulated a total of 507 runs, providing strong finishes to the Indian side. His consistency and ability to accelerate make him a dangerous player.
6: Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya, who excelled for India in white-ball cricket, went on to be India’s most promising player and was a vital asset for India in the T20 World Cup-winning campaign.
His contributions both as a batter and a bowler have impressed the fans and experts.
7: Axar Patel
One of the most underrated spin bowling all-rounders of Indian cricket, Axar Patel is a versatile player known for his accuracy and consistency with the ball. Axar is a left-arm spinner and a valuable asset in limited-overs formats.
Whether it’s with the ball or bat, Axar Patel’s contributions often go unnoticed but are vital to the team’s success, particularly in the T20 World Cup.
8: Varun Chakravarthy
Varun Chakravarthy was a part of the T20I squad to South Africa, and he is expected to be included in the T20I series against England. Chakravarthy, known for his spin and bounce, has been a standout performer, which makes him a valuable asset in T20 cricket.
9: Harshit Rana
Harshit Rana was the most iconic name in IPL 2024 when he featured in the IPL for the Kolkata Knight Riders. Rana, who was quite iconic in the BGT for India, will be looking to make his debut in the T20I series against England as well.
10: Ravi Bishnoi
Young leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi is also expected to make the cut in the Indian playing XI. His performance in domestic cricket and the IPL has earned him recognition as one of India’s most exciting young spinners. Recently in the series against South Africa, he amazed all with his dominant performance when he completed 50 wickets for India in T20s.
11: Arshdeep Singh
The left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh has quickly established himself as one of the most promising young fast bowlers in India, particularly in T20 cricket. His swing bowling in the powerplay, along with his smart variations, makes him a constant threat to batsmen. Arshdeep, who stunned in the format, is the second-highest wicket-taker for India in T20s and is soon to overtake Yuzi Chahal.
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