India and England's 5-match T20 series kicks off on January 22nd. The first match will be held at Kolkata's Eden Gardens. The question is, will Suryakumar Yadav be in the playing XI?
IND vs ENG: The 5-match T20 series between India and England is set to begin on January 22nd. The England team arrived in India on Saturday, while the Indian team has been preparing for the series in Kolkata. The first match will be held at Kolkata's Eden Gardens, commencing at 7 PM with the toss at 6:30 PM.
Discussion on Suryakumar Yadav's place in the T20 Playing XI
The biggest question for this T20 match is Suryakumar Yadav's inclusion in the playing XI. Some changes to the Indian team's lineup are anticipated. Sanju Samson and young Abhishek Sharma are likely to open the innings. Sanju, recently omitted from the Champions Trophy 2025 squad, will be eager to prove his worth in this T20 series.
Team's batting order plan
Tilak Varma may bat at number three, followed by Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav at number four. This match presents a significant opportunity for him to showcase his form and captaincy skills.
Rinku Singh and Nitish Kumar Reddy's contribution in the lower order
Rinku Singh could be given a chance at number five. Known for his explosive batting, Rinku has strengthened the lower order with his impressive performances. Nitish Kumar Reddy, who scored a century against Australia in Melbourne, might bat at number six.
Hardik Pandya and the bowlers' contribution to the team
Hardik Pandya, a fast-bowling all-rounder, is likely to bat at number seven. Either Axar Patel or Washington Sundar could be selected as the eighth batsman. Varun Chakravarthy might be included as the second spinner. Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh are likely to be the fast bowlers. Shami is making his international cricket comeback after a year, while Arshdeep Singh has performed exceptionally well in recent months.
India's probable playing XI
Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper)
Abhishek Sharma
Tilak Varma
Suryakumar Yadav (Captain)
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Hardik Pandya
Rinku Singh
Axar Patel/Washington Sundar
Varun Chakravarthy
Arshdeep Singh
Mohammed Shami
Indian team for the T20 series
Suryakumar Yadav (Captain)
Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper)
Abhishek Sharma
Tilak Varma
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)
It's crucial for the Indian team in this series that all players perform to their full potential, especially Suryakumar Yadav, who can demonstrate his leadership capabilities as captain.
