There was much anticipation for the India squad for the limited-overs series against England as it can be seen as good preparation for the Champions Trophy 2025 beginning on February 19.
The T20I squad, led by Suryakumar Yadav, had a surprise as Hardik Pandya was stripped of vice-captaincy which was given to Axar Patel. Besides that one call, the selectors have named an expected strong squad to face The Three Lions at home.
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The opening slots have been pretty much stabilised in recent months with Sanju Samson providing the anchor role and Abhishek Sharma going hammer and tongs at the opposition bowlers.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav, who has been playing alongside Tilak Varma in the IPL, knows the youngster’s effect at No.3 and moved to No.4 during the South Africa T20Is. It proved to be the right move as Varma scored back-to-back unbeaten hundreds.
But there’s a tricky part. Nitish Kumar Reddy, who had played big knocks against Bangladesh in his debut series, is also a good fit for No.4. With Pandya and Rinku Singh taking the finisher roles, it might be difficult for Reddy to find a place in all matches.
Vice-captain Axar will be slotting in at No.7 as he can play the big shots in every match situation despite Washington Sundar also being a good batter.
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Sundar’s addition in the playing XI will most likely happen on heavy turners if India wants to go with a full-on spin attack over preferring two frontline pacers with Pandya chipping in with four overs.
Varun Chakravarthy’s recent form in domestic cricket can get him a place ahead of Ravi Bishnoi.
India having the option of Rinku in the middle overs also might act against Bishnoi unless there are few one-on-one strategies set for the Gujarat spinner.
The pace attack is very much set with Mohammad Shami leading the attack with Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana.
Sanju Samson (WK), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh
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