India vs England: Predictions are running high for the IND vs ENG T20I series

India is all set to face England in the opening match of a five-match T20I series at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on January 22. This will be the first time the two teams meet since India defeated England in the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup, a thrilling encounter that has heightened anticipation for this series. The Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, has undergone some changes since their tour of South Africa in November 2024. One of the major highlights is the return of pacer Mohammed Shami, who will be making his comeback to the national team after a 14-month hiatus due to a knee injury.

Who is winning the India vs England T20I series?

Shami's inclusion adds depth to India's pace attack, especially with the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in mind. Meanwhile, England will be looking to bounce back from their World Cup disappointment under the leadership of Jos Buttler. In a notable change, Buttler will relinquish his wicketkeeping duties for the series, focusing solely on captaincy. This move allows Phil Salt to take over the gloves and adds flexibility to the batting lineup.

Former Indian opener and now commentator, Aakash Chopra, shared his insights on the upcoming T20I series between India and England. Chopra, known for his candid views on the game, believes that the series is likely to be a high-scoring affair, predicting plenty of boundaries and big hits throughout the five matches. He highlighted that both teams are loaded with explosive batters, and the batting-friendly pitches in India, particularly in venues like Eden Gardens, would only add to the anticipation of high totals. Chopra also pointed out that England, with their aggressive brand of cricket and big-hitting capabilities, will provide tough competition for India, who will be looking to continue their good form after their World Cup semi-final victory over the Three Lions.

The series also presents an exciting opportunity for players like Suryakumar Yadav and Jos Buttler to showcase their leadership skills, while the return of Mohammed Shami adds a crucial dimension to India’s pace attack. Chopra expressed that fans can expect a thrilling contest, with both teams eager to establish dominance ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. With both sides possessing destructive batters and attacking bowlers, this series is set to deliver plenty of entertainment.

"Let's prepare for the run-fest. Because a lot of runs will be made. See, it's a T20 format. In many places, there might be a role of dew because it's still cold in many places, you might see dew in the evening. It's possible that the team that will chase later will feel a little easier to chase because in T20’s it happens anyway. But If dew comes, then it's becomes even easier. So, from east to west, I think, batting will be at its best. It'll be fun. There'll be a lot of beating for the bowlers," stated former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra during an interview. 

Aakash Chopra highlighted the strength of both India and England’s batting line-ups, describing the series as a "heavy-weight clash." He noted that India boasts some of the most destructive hitters in world cricket, including powerhouses like Suryakumar Yadav, Virat Kohli, and Hardik Pandya. Chopra believes that the Men in Blue’s aggressive approach will be a key factor in the series, especially with their strong middle order and depth in batting. On the other hand, England also has a similarly explosive batting unit, with players like Jos Buttler, Harry Brook, and Liam Livingstone, who can turn the game around in a matter of overs. Chopra emphasized that both teams are well-equipped to put up big totals, which makes the series even more exciting.

He pointed out that while India’s batting depth is their strength, England’s fearless and attacking style will ensure plenty of fireworks in the series. With both teams having a solid mix of experienced players and young talents, Chopra believes the T20I series will provide an entertaining spectacle for the fans, with both sides eager to prove their dominance ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025.

"It's going to be a bat-vs-bat contest. Because batting is a heavy weight on both sides. If we look at the clash, it's not a light-weight clash. It's a heavy-weight clash, in which, if you hit a six, the other team can hit two. And it's possible that if the pitch is right, both innings will be equal. The tempo can be set with the first match, and the other team will also look at it from the same perspective," Aakash noted. 

Aakash Chopra highlighted key players who could play pivotal roles in setting the tempo for their respective teams. He pointed out that Indian batters like Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, and Tilak Varma will look to capitalize on the conditions and take charge of the innings. Suryakumar, known for his aggressive stroke play, will likely be a key figure at the top of the order, while Samson and Varma can provide the finishing touch in the middle overs.

On the other hand, England’s dynamic duo of Jos Buttler and Phil Salt are expected to exploit the batting-friendly conditions. Buttler, renowned for his power-hitting and aggressive approach, will look to anchor the innings, while Salt’s explosive style could see him taking on the Indian bowlers early on. Chopra also analyzed the potential impact of dew, which could make the ball easier to hit as the evening progresses. If dew becomes a factor, both teams may aim to post high scores, making it a thrilling contest. With both line-ups filled with hard-hitters, Chopra predicts that this match could see plenty of boundaries and big hits, setting the stage for an entertaining and high-scoring encounter.