The first T20I between India and England will be played on January 22 at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. While the team's main focus is the ICC Champions Trophy, the T20I series carries some significance as it will serve as the starting point for building a strong team for the T20 World Cup 2026. The BCCI recently announced the squad for the T20I series and retained the core that defeated South Africa in South Africa. Senior players like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant were not considered, most likely because they are in the scheme of things for the ICC Champions Trophy and the preceding ODI series against England.

India's Likely XI For 1st T20I vs England

Sanju Samson was ruthless on the South Africa tour and slammed two centuries. He will open the innings with Abhishek Sharma, who did not have a great series in South Africa, but the BCCI backed him considering his potential. Tilak Verma should bat at three, following a great run in South Africa, with Suryakumar Yadav, Rinku Singh and Hardik Pandya to follow. Axar Patel will add depth to the side with his all-round skills. Axar was also named the vice-captain of the side. Varun Chakravarthy will be the lead spinner, while Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana should be the first-choice pacers.

India's Likely XI For 1st T20I: Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy

India’s squad for T20I series against England: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel (vc), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammad Shami, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel (wk).

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