Defending T20 World Cup champions India will kickstart the 2025 with an much-anticipated five-match T20I series against England at home, under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav. India will step onto their home turf with a clear intent to win the series.

India and England set for high-stakes T20I showdown

Following their impressive 3-1 triumph over South Africa on challenging away conditions, India will now turn their focus to hosting England. The matches will be played across iconic venues, including Kolkata, Chennai, Rajkot, Pune, and Mumbai, ensuring cricket fans across the country get a taste of world-class action. With both teams boasting firepower in their ranks, the series promises to deliver a thrilling spectacle for cricket enthusiasts.

This series holds immense significance as it doubles as a preparatory phase for the T20 World Cup 2026. With the marquee event just over a year away, every match in this bilateral contest will serve as an opportunity for the team management to test strategies and refine player roles. India will look to gain clarity on batting combinations, bowling depth, and match-winning partnerships, ensuring they are well-equipped for future challenges. Building momentum in this series will not only boost team confidence but also set the tone for a packed cricketing calendar leading up to the World Cup.

Here’s predicted India’ squad for the T20I series against England

India’s probable squad for the series is likely to strike a balance between experienced campaigners and rising stars eager to leave their mark. Established players will aim to reinforce their status as dependable match-winners, while newcomers will bring fresh energy and innovation to the side. This mix ensures depth and versatility across departments, allowing the team to adapt to varying conditions. With high stakes and fierce competition, the series offers a platform for players to stake their claim for a spot in the World Cup squad and contribute to India’s cricketing legacy.

1. Abhishek Sharma
An all-rounder with a strong ability to contribute in multiple roles. His aggressive batting at the top order helps India seize early momentum. He also provides a valuable spin-bowling option, adding balance to the team.

2. Sanju Samson (wk)
A stylish wicketkeeper-batter with a knack for scoring runs quickly in the middle overs. His clean hitting and ability to find gaps make him a key player in setting or chasing targets. Behind the stumps, he brings reliable glove work.

3. Rajat Patidar
A consistent top-order batter known for building innings under pressure. His ability to rotate strike and find boundaries ensures stability in the batting lineup. He often anchors partnerships to keep the team on track.

4. Tilak Varma
A promising middle-order batter with an eye for attacking opportunities. He handles both spin and pace with ease, making him a dependable option in challenging situations. His ability to finish innings strongly is an added advantage.

5. Suryakumar Yadav (c)
A leader who leads by example with his fearless batting approach. His innovative stroke play disrupts bowlers’ plans, especially in the middle overs. As captain, he brings tactical insight and composure to the team.

6. Rinku Singh
A finisher who thrives under pressure and excels in chasing steep targets. His ability to hit big shots at crucial moments makes him a vital asset. He adds depth to the batting lineup with his calm and composed mindset.

7. Prabhsimran Singh (wk, backup opener)
An attacking batter who can provide explosive starts at the top of the order. As a backup wicketkeeper, he ensures flexibility in team selection. His ability to adapt to different roles makes him a dependable option.

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8. Hardik Pandya
A reliable all-rounder who can change the game with both bat and ball. His powerful hitting in the lower order helps accelerate scoring, while his accurate seam bowling provides breakthroughs when needed.

9. Axar Patel
A left-arm spinner who consistently delivers economical spells while taking crucial wickets. He also contributes handy runs in the lower order, making him a steady performer in high-pressure games.

10. Kuldeep Yadav
A wrist-spinner with the ability to trouble batters with sharp turn and clever variations. His knack for breaking partnerships in the middle overs makes him a key figure in the bowling attack.

11. Varun Chakravarthy
A mystery spinner with an arsenal of deceptive deliveries. His ability to bowl tight lines in the middle overs helps contain runs and pick crucial wickets. He thrives in T20 cricket conditions.

12. Arshdeep Singh
A left-arm pacer renowned for his pinpoint yorkers in the death overs. He combines pace and swing effectively, making him a threat in the powerplay and at the back end of the innings.

13. Yash Dayal
A left-arm fast bowler who brings pace and movement to the attack. His ability to swing the ball early often results in breakthroughs in the powerplay. He adds variety to the pace lineup.

14. Avesh Khan
A right-arm pacer who generates pace and bounce to challenge batters. His wicket-taking ability in the middle and death overs makes him a valuable asset. He often bowls with intensity, keeping batters on edge.

15. Ramandeep Singh
A hard-hitting lower-order batter who can accelerate scoring in the final overs. His medium-pace bowling provides a handy all-round option, giving the team flexibility in balancing the playing XI.

Also READ: England announces T20I squad for India tour; Jos Buttler to lead

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