As the Indian cricket team gears up to face England in a five-match T20 series at home, anticipation is building among fans and analysts alike. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the squad, featuring the much-awaited return of Mohammad Shami, who has been sidelined due to injury for nearly a year. With the first match set to take place on January 22 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Shami’s participation seems confirmed, marking his return to T20 cricket after almost two years. This raises pertinent questions about the playing XI, particularly about which players will be benched by captain Suryakumar Yadav to optimize the team’s chances against a formidable England side.
Players Included in the Squad
Before delving into the playing XI against England, it’s crucial to examine the selected 15-member squad. Compared to the recent T20 series in South Africa, there are some notable changes in personnel. Wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma has been replaced by Sanju Samson, while Ramandeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Yash Dayal, and Vishak Vijaykumar have also been dropped from the squad.
The new additions include Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Mohammad Shami, and Washington Sundar. It is expected that the core batting lineup, particularly the top six, will remain mainly unchanged for the first T20 match. However, modifications in the lower order are anticipated. It is widely believed that Mohammad Shami will certainly play, implying that one of the current bowlers will have to make way for him. Nitish Kumar Reddy, who impressed against Australia, is also expected to secure his spot.
Which Players Will Miss Out?
In the last two matches against South Africa, Team India fielded only one primary pacer, Arshdeep Singh. Other bowling options included all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Ramandeep Singh. Avesh Khan had participated as the second pacer in the first two matches, but both he and Ramandeep are now out of the squad. This means Nitish can seamlessly replace Ramandeep, while Shami is poised to take Avesh’s position. If the Indian team opts for a lineup featuring only one primary pacer and three spinners, there’s a possibility that Ravi Bishnoi may be left out in favor of Arshdeep Singh.
Proposed Playing XI
As the first match unfolds in Kolkata, captain Suryakumar Yadav might decide to field both of his main pace options. This implies that Sanju Samson could take charge not just behind the stumps but also open the batting alongside Abhishek Sharma. Following them, the batting order is likely to feature Tilak Verma at number three, followed by Suryakumar Yadav at number four.
Nitish Kumar Reddy is expected to slot in at number five, supported by Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh, who are tasked with finishing duties. Deputy captain Axar Patel will likely serve as a spin all-rounder, with Varun Chakravarthy leading the spin attack. The pace responsibilities will fall to Mohammad Shami and Arshdeep Singh.
Indian Team’s Possible Playing XI:
Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Verma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel (Vice-captain), Arshdeep Singh, Mohammad Shami, Varun Chakravarthy.