India vs England: Five players to watch out for in the 1st T20I

The India vs England T20I series is more than just a cricket contest. It’s a clash of two cricketing titans who have mastered the art of the shortest format. India, known for its dynamic and adaptable style, blends young talents with seasoned veterans to create a formidable side. On the other hand, England, pioneers of aggressive T20 cricket, thrives on an attacking approach that aims to dominate the opposition from the very first ball. 

With both teams filled with match-winners and a history of thrilling encounters, this series promises to be a spectacle of high-octane cricket, captivating fans around the globe. The five-match T20I series between India and England is set to begin on January 22 in Eden Gardens, Kolkata, marking the start of an exciting clash between two cricketing powerhouses. The series will see both teams battling it out across five different venues, each offering unique challenges and opportunities for players to shine.

Here’s a list of five players to watch out for in the 1st T20I between India and England:

1: Suryakumar Yadav

Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has been a crucial player for the men in blue in the T20 format. He is known for his ability to innovate and play 360-degree shots all around the stadium. His form in T20s has been phenomenal, and he could be the game-changer against England's bowling attack.

Surya’s versatility and ability to adapt to different situations make him a cornerstone of India’s T20I setup. Whether anchoring the innings during challenging phases or accelerating with his wide array of strokes, he has proven time and again to be a match-winner.

His fearless approach, combined with a knack for finding gaps and clearing boundaries, makes him a nightmare for bowlers. Against England’s potent bowling attack, Surya’s ability to counter both pace and spin with ease could be pivotal in setting or chasing down big totals. In 78 T20I matches, Suryakumar Yadav has scored a total of 2,570 runs with a strikerate of 167.86. 

2: Jos Buttler

England's captain Jos Buttler is a destructive batter at the top of the order, known for his ability to dominate bowlers right from the outset. His knack for capitalizing on the powerplay can put the opposition on the back foot within minutes. Having played multiple IPL seasons in India, Buttler brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of Indian pitches and conditions, which adds a significant edge to his game.

Buttler’s explosive batting style, combined with his ability to anchor innings when required, makes him a versatile threat. In 129 T20I matches, Jos Buttler has scored 3,389 runs with a strikerate of 147.02.

3: Jacob Bethell

Young English batting allrounder Jacob Bethell has been a rising prospect in the world cricket. He has showcased immense potential as a left-handed batter and a left-arm orthodox spinner. He first gained prominence during the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2022, where he played a crucial role in England’s journey to the final. 

Bethell is known for his aggressive approach at the top of the order. His ability to take on bowlers in the powerplay and score quickly has earned him recognition as an exciting prospect for England’s future. As a left-arm spinner, he provides variety and control in the middle overs. In 7 T20I matches, Jacob Bethell has scored a total of 173 runs, batting lower down the order and has failed to achieve a wicket.

4: Tilak Varma

Indian middle-order batter Tilak Varma has been an exciting prospect for the Indian side in the T20 format. He has quickly risen to prominence with his stellar performances in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL). Tilak is known for his consistency, calm demeanor, and ability to adapt to different formats and situations.

He is a versatile batter who can anchor an innings or accelerate when needed. His ability to play spin and pace equally well makes him a dependable option in the middle order. With his combination of skill, temperament, and hunger for success, Tilak is seen as a player who can contribute significantly to Indian cricket in the years to come.

In 20 matches, Tilak Varma has scored 616 runs with a strikerate of 161.25 and taken 2 wickets with an economy of 5.20.

5: Mohammed Shami

Veteran Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who has been recovering from a recent injury, is looking to return to his prime form ahead of the upcoming international series. Known for his lethal pace and ability to swing the ball both ways, Shami has been a pivotal part of India's bowling attack for several years. His experience and skillset make him one of the most reliable fast bowlers, especially in limited-overs cricket.

With his recovery progressing well, Shami's return could strengthen India's bowling attack and provide much-needed experience, especially in the high-pressure moments of a T20I series. His performance will be closely watched, and he could prove to be a game-changer with the ball.

In 23 T20I matches, Mohammed Shami has taken 24 wickets with an economy of 8.94.