The forthcoming five-match series against England starts on January 22 in Kolkata, and the BCCI is expected to release the Twenty20 squad for that series soon. The verdict may be announced over the weekend, following the BCCI Annual General Meeting in Mumbai. If Suryakumar Yadav is successful in leading his team to the Champions Trophy, the team’s consistency and readiness will take center stage.
Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, and Shubman Gill are not in the team. As a result of a back ailment, Bumrah is not playing, and Mohammed Siraj is not either, as he has just returned from a series in Australia. Young actors like Arshdeep Singh might step up to the plate in this situation, with Avesh Khan and Harshit Rana rounding out the supporting group.
Sanju Samson Set to Persist
There will be some familiar players and some fresh ones in the batting order. With Rishabh Pant getting some rest so he can play at his Champions Trophy best, Sanju Samson will maintain his spot as the starting wicketkeeper-batsman. Tilak Varma, a promising middle-order batsman who made history in South Africa by scoring the first ever two hundred in a Twenty20 International, will keep batting at No. 3.
Also making a triumphant return is Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was sensational in the Twenty20 Internationals against Bangladesh and on the Australian tour, albeit he might not start the Champion Trophy race. Shivam Dube, an all-rounder who won the T20 World Cup, returns to action after recovering from an injury.
Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, and Varun Chakaravarthy will spearhead the spin attack. In order to maintain a balanced bowling attack, the selectors have decided to keep these reliable players on the team. Because of his batting prowess and his ability to provide vital wickets with the ball, Hardik Pandya is still the preferred all-rounder.
Parag and Gill Will Not Be Back Any Time Soon
The injury has still not completely healed Riyan Parag, despite his promising performances in Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. In contrast, Shubman Gill will be given a break after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to recharge for the One-Day Internationals and Champions Trophy. He has been superb in all forms.
India has been winning a lot of Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), notably series against South Africa and Bangladesh, ever since skipper Suryakumar Yadav instituted a more aggressive style of play. This England series presents yet another chance to keep that run going. Rather than putting too much pressure on the more seasoned players, this series should aim to showcase the talents of the younger generation.
India will play a three-match one-day international series against England following the five Twenty20 Internationals. This will serve as their final preparation before the Champions Trophy begins on February 19. In order to choose the final tournament roster, these matches are crucial for evaluating team combinations.
