India vs England: Five batters to watch out for in T20I series

The most anticipated five-match T20I series between India and England is set to kick off on January 22. The reigning World T20 champions, India, will face off against one of the most explosive batting lineups in the shortest format. It promises high-intensity cricket, showcasing a battle between England's fearless approach and India's blend of power and precision. Fans can expect fireworks as both teams gear up to dominate the series and set the tone for an exciting year in T20 cricket.

The Indian team would be looking forward to taking advantage of the home conditions, leveraging their familiarity with the pitches and crowd support to gain an edge. On the other hand, England, known for their aggressive brand of cricket, will aim to adapt quickly and counter India's strengths with their deep batting lineup and versatile bowling attack. This series is expected to be a thrilling contest, with both teams eager to assert their dominance.

This white-ball series would be crucial for both teams as they look to fine-tune their strategies and build momentum. For India, it offers an opportunity to test their bench strength, solidify their combinations, and evaluate the form of players in the new era T20 team. Meanwhile, England will focus on adapting to subcontinental pitches, honing their game plan against spin, and maintaining their status as a powerhouse in limited-overs cricket. 

The batters from both sides will play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of this high-stakes series. India's batting lineup will look to utilize the home conditions to build strong foundations and post competitive totals, while England's dynamic and aggressive approach will aim to put the hosts under pressure. 

Here’s a list of five batters to watch out for in the India vs England T20I series:

1: Tilak Varma

Indian youngster Tilak Varma has emerged as a promising talent for the India team in the T20I format, being ranked third in the ICC T20I batters’ rankings. The left-handed batter is known for his composure and ability to anchor an innings while accelerating when required. His adaptability against both pace and spin makes him a valuable asset in the middle order, and he will look to make the most of this opportunity to cement his place in the team.

The middle-order batter has quickly established himself as a dependable and versatile player in the shortest format. Tilak can anchor the innings or shift gears when required, providing much-needed flexibility to the team's batting lineup. This series offers him an excellent platform to further solidify his position and showcase his potential on the international stage.

From 20 T20I matches for India, Tilak Varma has managed to score 616 runs with an average of 51.33. He has two centuries and two fifties to his name with a strike rate of 161.25. Recently, he became the 5th cricketer and 2nd Indian to score consecutive centuries in T20Is for India.

2: Jos Buttler

England skipper Jos Buttler is one of the most dangerous and explosive batters in the T20I format. He is an experienced player, who is renowned for his explosive batting at the top of the order. Buttler's presence in the lineup poses a constant threat to opposition bowlers, especially in the powerplay overs.

The English opener has an unmatched ability to accelerate and clear the ropes effortlessly. His past experience and understanding of the Indian pitches make him a dangerous batter in the upcoming T20I series for the visitors.

From 129 matches, Jos Buttler has scored 3,389 runs with an average of 35.67. To his name, he has scored 1 century and 25 fifties with a strike rate of 147.02.

3: Suryakumar Yadav

Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav is regarded as one of the best players in the shortest format of the game. He is India's T20 specialist, who is celebrated for his innovative stroke play and fearless attitude. His 360-degree batting approach keeps bowlers guessing, and his ability to find gaps consistently makes him a key batter in the T20I series. 

He can make batting look easy, effortlessly executing innovative shots that leave both bowlers and spectators in awe. His calm demeanor, even in high-pressure situations, allows him to dictate the pace of the innings, making him a game-changer for India.

From 78 matches, Suryakumar Yadav has scored 2,570 runs with an average of 40.79. He has scored 4 centuries and 21 fifties to his name with a strike rate of 167.86.

4: Sanju Samson

Indian opener Sanju Samson has been in red-hot form for the Indian Cricket Team in the T20I format. He is a stylish batter capable of playing breathtaking strokes. Sanju Samson is known for his aggressive approach and clean hitting. The opener thrives under pressure situations and can change the game’s momentum in an instant.

His effortless and fearless batting approach makes him a key asset for the Indian side in the T20 format. This series presents a chance for him to showcase his consistency and solidify his position in the squad.

From 37 matches, Sanju Samson has managed to score a total of 810 runs with an average of 27.93. The opener has scored three centuries and two fifties, with a strike rate of 115.17.

5: Jacob Bethell

Young all-rounder from England, Jacob Bethell is a promising and talented cricketer, who has been a standout performer in recent matches. He is known for his aggressive batting style and effective left-arm spin bowling. Bethell’s ability to take on bowlers at the top of the order and contribute with the ball makes him a valuable asset in England's T20I squad.

The left-handed batter has a sharp eye and powerful stroke play allow him to dominate in the powerplay, while his calm temperament enables him to build an innings when required. His ability to take on bowlers from the outset, coupled with his adaptability to different conditions, makes him a standout performer.

From seven T20I matches for England, Jacob Bethell has scored a total of 173 runs with an average of 57.66. The young all-rounder is yet to score a century but has two fifties to his name.