The cricketing world is abuzz as India and England lock horns in a five-match T20I series, followed by a three-game ODI series, ahead of next month’s ICC Champions Trophy. With both teams fielding full-strength squads and England’s new management under Brendan McCullum bringing an aggressive approach, this promises to be a thrilling contest. The opener at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, sets the stage for an intense battle between two of the most dynamic teams in world cricket.
Match Details
Match | India vs England, 1st T20I |
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Date | Wednesday, January 17, 2025 |
Time | 7:00 PM Local / 1:30 PM GMT |
Venue | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
Teams Preview
India Preview
India enters this series as a powerhouse, despite missing stalwarts Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja, who retired from T20Is last year. Captain Suryakumar Yadav will spearhead the batting lineup, supported by the in-form Tilak Varma, who scored 280 runs, including two centuries, in the recent series against South Africa. Promising talents Rinku Singh and Abhishek Sharma add firepower to the top order, while Sanju Samson provides stability and innovation.
The bowling unit, led by Mohammed Shami, features a lethal spin duo of Ravi Bishnoi and Varun Chakravarthy, with both expected to exploit Eden Gardens’ spin-friendly surface. Arshdeep Singh and all-rounder Axar Patel complete a formidable attack that promises to challenge England’s aggressive lineup.
England Preview
England, under the dynamic leadership of Jos Buttler, brings a blend of youth and experience. With veterans like Moeen Ali and Jonny Bairstow no longer in contention, the onus is on emerging stars Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, and Ben Duckett to step up.
England’s strength lies in its fiery pace duo of Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, who will test the Indian batters with raw pace. The experienced leg-spinner Adil Rashid and young talent Rehan Ahmed will play crucial roles in containing India’s aggressive middle order.
Both teams have an exciting mix of power-hitters and skillful bowlers, setting the stage for a high-octane series opener.
Team Squads
India Predicted XI:
Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel (VC), Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi
England Predicted XI:
Jos Buttler (C), Phil Salt (wk), Ben Duckett, Liam Livingstone, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Overton, Rehan Ahmed, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood
Fantasy Team XI
Player | Role |
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Suryakumar Yadav (C) | Batter |
Jos Buttler (VC) | Wicketkeeper |
Tilak Varma | Batter |
Harry Brook | Batter |
Rinku Singh | Batter |
Hardik Pandya | All-rounder |
Axar Patel | All-rounder |
Jofra Archer | Bowler |
Mohammed Shami | Bowler |
Ravi Bishnoi | Bowler |
Adil Rashid | Bowler |
Pitch and Weather Report
Pitch Report
Eden Gardens offers a spin-friendly surface with good bounce, making it ideal for batters and spinners alike. Pacers will need to rely on variations to succeed. Teams batting first would aim for a score around 200, as defending totals can be challenging under lights.
Weather Conditions
A warm and clear evening is expected in Kolkata, with temperatures dropping from the high 20s to low 20s. Humidity may rise to 65%, potentially aiding spinners in the second innings.
Toss Prediction
The team winning the toss will likely opt to bat first, given the venue’s history of favoring sides that set totals.
Winning Prediction
India’s blend of experience and youthful exuberance, coupled with their familiarity with conditions at Eden Gardens, gives them an edge in this opener. However, England’s aggressive approach and fiery pace attack could challenge India’s dominance.
Prediction: India to win
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