In the first T20I of the five-match series, India will take on England at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata today, i.e., January 22, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST.
Team India is back to playing its best format, with veteran players and young talent assembling a powerful squad. Suryakumar Yadav, noted for his innovative batting, will lead the team, with Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya providing all-round support. Legendary pacer Mohammed Shami, who returns to lead the bowling attack, will be accompanied by Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana, and Arshdeep Singh. Furthermore, young players like Abhishek Sharma and Dhruv Jurel will provide the unit with fresh enthusiasm and versatility. On paper, India seem to be a strong squad, with a batting lineup capable of striking hard for all 20 overs and bowlers who can execute under pressure. The most difficult assignment, however, will be executing their ideas against a formidable England squad.
On the other hand, England’s T20 team, led by Jos Buttler, is one of the most aggressive in the format. With batters like Phil Salt, Harry Brook, and Liam Livingstone, they can dominate any bowling assault. The presence of players such as Jacob Bethell and Brydon Carse adds depth to the team. England’s bowling team, which includes Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, and Gus Atkinson, is well-known for its ability to pick up wickets at critical moments. The unit’s bowlers’ ability to adapt to shifting conditions makes them a challenging opponent, even in foreign lands. England’s strategy will most likely be predicated on their aggressive batting, which will be supplemented with disciplined bowling in the middle overs.
Head-to-Head:
Both nations have faced each other in 24 games in the shortest format of the game. Notably, the home team has won 13 times, whereas England have come out victorious on 11 occasions.
Where to Watch:
TV: Star Sports
OTT: Disney+ Hotstar