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India‘s Much-anticipated five-match T20I series against England will begin on January 22 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. This series comes at a critical time as both teams gear up for intense competition, moving from Test cricket to the high-paced T20 format. defeated india South Africa in a T20I series away from home by a margin of 3-1 last year.
India’s batting order for T20I series against England
Sanjay BangarThe former Indian batting coach, gave insight into India’s probable playing eleven during a discussion on Star Sports’ follow the blues. Notably, Yashasvi Jaiswalwho was part of the testing team for the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25he was named reserve top-order batsman, missing out on the first XI.
Bangar’s preferred top order includes Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samsonwhile middle order responsibilities fall to Rinku Singh and Shivam Dubey. With a mix of experience and young talent, the series promises to test the depth of India’s T20 arsenal against a formidable English team.
“For me, the top four are similar: Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav along with Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. No. 5 and No. 6: Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube. For me, the top order reserve batsman has to be Yashasvi Jaiswal. I would like it to play all three formats, at least to be in competition for all three formats.” Bangar said.
Selection dilemmas: Rishabh Pant or KL Rahul?
One of the key debates surrounding the Indian team revolves around the stand-in wicketkeeper-batsman position, with RISHABH PANTS and KL Rahul emerging as the pioneers. Bangar noted that the decision could depend on whether the team prioritizes a top-four batsman or long-term team planning. Pant, fresh off India’s victorious campaign in the 2024 T20 World Cup, brings match-winning edge and adaptability to the middle-order.
On the other hand, Rahul, despite not appearing in T20Is since T20 World Cup 2022remains an experienced activist with a credible track record. Bangar suggested Pant might have the edge from a future-oriented perspective but acknowledged Rahul’s versatility. He also speculated on scenarios where Pant could replace an injured Samson or Jaiswal could be promoted to the top order. The selection underscores the balancing act needed to align current form with future potential.
“The back-up wicketkeeper is a very tough choice between a Rishabh Pant or a KL Rahul,” added the former India batting coach. If the need is to bat in the top four, then yes, Rishabh Pant, or KL Rahul. It’s a matter of chance, but if you have to take a longer-term view, then Rishabh could be the right person. If Sanju Samson is not fit, then you can eliminate (manage) playing Yashasvi at the top, drop one of the left-handers and bring in Rishabh Pant to bat at number 5. So Rishabh Pant,” the 52-year-old added.
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Bowling combinations and backup options.
The bowling schedule of the series features a combination of pace and spin, reflecting India’s strategy for various conditions. Prasidh Krishnapraised for his ability to hit the new ball and master the medium overs, is expected to partner the left-arm pacer. Arshdeep Singh. The spinning department will be headed by Kuldeep Yadav with Axar Patel adding depth like an all-rounder. Hardik PandyaIndia’s leading bowling all-rounder, occupies a crucial spot at number 7.
Bangar identified Varun Chakaravarthy as the backup spinner and Khaleel Ahmed as a reserve pacer, ensuring India has adequate bench strength for the series. This combination aims to counter England’s aggressive batting line-up while maintaining control during the death overs. The performance of the bowling unit will be instrumental in determining the outcome of the series as both teams compete for early momentum in the run-up to the ODI series.
“No. Numbers 7 and 8 are Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel. Number 9 is Kuldeep Yadav. Numbers 10 and 11 are Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna. For me, Prasidh Krishna is a bowler who can bowl with a lot of penetration with the new ball and also in the middle overs. The back-up spinner will be Varun Chakaravarthy. The substitute pacer will be Khaleel Ahmed.” Bangar concluded.
