India and England will kickstart a five-match T20 series on 22nd January at Kolkata. After the completion of the T20 series both of the teams will lock horns in the 50-over formats as well.
Match Preview:
India is all set to face England in the first T20 of the series, with Mohammad Shami marking his comeback and Dhruv Jurel ready to make his debut, the heroics can be expected from a comeback hero and up-and-coming star.
Nevertheless, Shami might be doubtful for the first T20 as according to a PTI report, India’s veteran pacer Mohammed Shami limped after bowling for around 45 minutes in an intense net session ahead of the Kolkata T20I.
For this series, India has announced Axar Patel as the deputy of SuryaKumar Yadav. Patel was an unsung hero when India lifted up the T20 World Cup in 2024. Not so long ago, Axar rated Surya as a “bowler captain” and as hisd deputy he will try to emulate this strategy as well.
“I know that he’s the bowler’s captain. He gives the bowlers a free hand, to decide on their fields, and then backs them up even if they are hit. He gives you inputs. As a player, I’ve a good bond with him, and I’ve enjoyed playing under his captaincy too,” Axar said in the post-match press conference.
If one talks about the limited-over performances then India has been a solid side. Under Surya, India has wrapped up every T20 series since August 2023 and if anything Surya will try to extend this record by beating England in the upcoming five-match series.
India will be coming back to this format after beating South Africa in their backyard. Sanju Samson who was on fleek against Africa, will be a crucial player for the homeside. Besides him, Hardik Pandya, Nitish Reddy and Arshdeep Singh,will also play a significant role for team India.
Talking about England, their T20 form isn’t commendable since their appearance in the semifinal of the last World Cup in June.
But for newly-appointed white-ball head coach Brendon McCullum this isn’t a problem right now as the main focus is on building a side for the future instead of focusing on the results.
“Obviously, we want to win every game we play, to try and be successful, and that’s ultimately the mission for us,” he said. “But our conversations and the language which we use within the dressing-rooms is quite different.
“It’s about trying to get the best out of the talent that sits within the dressing room, trying to gel the guys as best we can, trying to work out complementary skills, and how we play the style of cricket that gives us our greatest chance.
For the upcoming series, Harry Brook will be the vice-captain for the team England.
The likes of Jofra Archer, young all-rounder Jacob Bethell, and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, will have to step-up if England wants to win.
England will be coming into the series after beating West Indies at their backyard. The last time England defeated India was in the 2022 T20 World Cup so the side will look to emulate those heroics.
Head-to-head record:
India’s inaugural T20 International match against England took place at the 2007 T20 World Cup, where Yuvraj Singh made history by hitting six sixes in an over off Stuart Broad. Since then, the rivalry between the two teams has been intense, with India holding a slender edge. Out of their 24 T20 encounters, India has emerged victorious 13 times, including their most recent meeting in the semifinals of the 2024 T20 World Cup in Guyana. England has secured wins in the remaining 11 matches.
Pitch and weather report:
Eden Gardens’ batting-friendly pitch, even bounce, and fast outfield set the stage for a high-scoring Ind vs Eng 1st T20 match. While spinners may find some assistance later on, batting is expected to dominate.
Dew may impact bowling strategies in the second innings, but fortunately, a rain-free and pleasant weather forecast promises uninterrupted action.
Prediction:
Given India’s record in T20s, India is favourite to win the first encounter of the series.
Where to watch:
India: Disney-plus Hotstar
England: Sky Sports
Pakistan: Tapmad
Others: Cric HD
