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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 juncture as both teams gear up for intense competition, transitioning from Test cricket to the high-paced T20 format. India defeated South Africa in an away T20I se��ries by t🐠he margin of 3-1 last year.
India’s batting order for the T20I series against England
Sanjay Bangar, the former Indian batting coach, provided insights into India’s probable playing XI during a discussion on Star Sports’ Follow the Blues. Notably, Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was part of the Test squad for the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25, was named a♑s a reserve top-order batter, missing out on the first XI.
Bangar’s preferred top-order includes Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, while middle-order responsibilities rest with Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube. Wi❀th a mix of experience and young talent, the series promises to test the depth of India’s T20 arsenal against a formidable English side.
“For me, the top four are similar, wherein 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 reserve top-order batter has to be Yashasvi Jaiswal. I would want him to be playing all three formats, at least to be in contention for all three formats,” Bangar said.
Selection dilemmas: Rishabh Pant or KL Rahul ?
One of the key debates surrounding India’s squad revolves around the backup wicketkeeper-batter position, with Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul emerging as the frontrunners. Bangar highlighted that the decision could depend on whether the team prioritizes a top-four batter or long-term squad planning. Pant, fresh 🐻off India’s victorious campaign in the 2024 T20 World Cup, brings a match-winning edge and adaptability to 🎐the middle order.
On the other hand, Rahul, despite not featuring in T20Is since the T20 World Cup 2022, remains a seasoned campaigner with a reliable track record. Bangar suggested that Pant might have the edge from a future-oriented perspective but acknowledged Rahul’s versatility. He also speculated about scenarios where Pant could replace an injured Samson or Jaiswa𒅌l could step into the top order. The selection u𓆏nderscores the balancing act required to align current form with future potential.
“The backup wicketkeeper, that’s a toss-up, it’s a very hard one between a Rishabh Pant or a KL Rahul,” the former India batting coach added. If the need is batting in the top four, then yes, Rishabh Pant, or else KL Rahul. It’s a toss-up but if you have to have a longer-term view, then Rishabh could be the guy. If Sanju Samson is unfit, then you can do away (manage) with playing Yashasvi at the top, drop one of the left-handers, and bring Rishabh Pant to bat at the No. 5 position. So Rishabh Pant,” the 52-year-old added.
Also READ: IND vs ENG 2024: India’s 15-member squad for the T20I series against England – Predicted
Bowling combinations and backup options
The bowling lineup for the series features a mix of pace and spin, reflecting India’s strategy for diverse conditions. Prasidh Krishna, lauded for his ability to strike with the new ball and dominate middle overs, is expected to partner with left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh. The spin department will be led by Kuldeep Yadav with Axar Patel adding depth as an all-rounder. Hardik Pandya, Indiaꦚ’s premier seam-bowling all-rounder, occupies a crucial spot at No. 7.
Bangar identified Varun Chakaravarthy as the backup spinner and Khaleel Ahmed as the reserve pacer, ensuring India has adequate bench strength for the series. This combination aims to counter England’s aggressive baဣtting lineup while maintaining control during the death overs. The bowling unit’s performance will be pivotal in determining the series outcome, as both teams vie for early momentum in the lead-up to the ODI series.
“No. 7 and No. 8 are Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel. No. 9 is Kuldeep Yadav. No. 10 and No. 11 are Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna. For me, Prasidh Krishna is a bowler who can bowl really penetratively with the new ball and also in the middle overs. The backup spinner will be Varun Chakaravarthy. The backup pacer will be Khaleel Ahmed,” Bangar concluded.
