India vs England: How much say will dew have in the IND vs ENG 1st T20I?

After a demanding and exhaustive season of Test cricket, both at home and abroad, the focus for Team India shifts back to white-ball cricket as they prepare to face England in a T20I series starting this Wednesday. India comes into the series under the shadow of disappointing losses to New Zealand and Australia, which has placed extra pressure on head coach Gautam Gambhir to deliver a positive result. Gambhir, a former teammate of England’s new all-format coach Brendon McCullum from their time at Kolkata Knight Riders, will be hoping to redeem himself and his team in this crucial series.

McCullum, who is taking charge of England’s white-ball setup, has already hinted at bringing his signature aggressive and entertaining style of cricket, reminiscent of his 'Bazball' philosophy in red-ball cricket. The England team, led by McCullum, is filled with youthful exuberance and exciting talent, including players like Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell, who are expected to play a key role in this series.

For Gambhir, however, the challenge may not be solely McCullum’s tactics or the strength of England’s squad. The real test for Gambhir lies in overcoming the baggage from India’s recent tour of Australia, where his team selection and approach to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy were heavily criticized. As India prepares for the 8-match white-ball series against England, these concerns will inevitably resurface, and Gambhir will need to answer his critics by leading India to success.

As India gears up for their T20I series against England, the impact of dew in the second innings could influence their selection strategy, particularly in terms of spin bowling. Dew is known to make the ball skid on the surface, making it harder for spinners to grip the ball and turn it effectively. Given these conditions, India might opt for defensive spinners who can focus on containing runs rather than going for wickets. In such a scenario, Axar Patel, who has recently been promoted to vice-captain, is all but guaranteed a spot in the playing XI. His all-round ability and experience in handling various conditions make him a valuable asset for the team.

Additionally, Varun Chakravarthy is another spinner likely to make the cut. Chakravarthy, who is familiar with the Eden Gardens conditions, comes into this series with a reputation for being a mystery spinner capable of making a significant impact. His performance in the previous T20I series against South Africa, where he was in sensational form, only adds to his credentials. With both spinners offering unique skills that could be effective in the dew-laden conditions, India is expected to rely on their experience and versatility to counter England's formidable batting lineup. This combination of spinners could prove crucial for India as they look to bounce back from recent setbacks and start the series on a winning note.