India are all set to return to white-ball cricket as they take on England in a five-match T20I series. The first match is set to take place on January 22 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. All eyes will be on how Team India will line up for the all-important match. India have fielded a young squad in T20Is, with several key players missing out due to Champions Trophy 2025 commitments. However, reports state that the Men in Blue's playing XI might be affected by the weather conditions in Kolkata.

According to a report by PTI, India might field just two spinners in the first T20I against England, as dew is likely to affect the game in the evening in Kolkata. Vice-captain Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy will be these two spinners as Washington Sundar might lose his spot. Nitish Kumar Reddy is also in contention to be selected in the playing XI.

In the pre-match press conference, captain Suryakumar Yadav himself said that they have started preparing for the match keeping in mind the heavy dew in evening in Kolkata.

“If we know there is going to be a heavy dew, you start preparing with the wet ball. You start bowling with the wet ball during practice sessions. You field with the wet ball. So these are the things which are in your control," the Indian captain said.

Suryakumar Yadav also almost confirmed that Mohammed Shami will be part of the playing XI for the first T20I against Egland. Shami will return to actin for the first for India since the ODI World Cup 2023 final

“It’s always good to have an experienced bowler in your side, and he is making a comeback after over a year. I am really excited to see him. I have seen his journey, how he focused on his bowling and recovery at the NCA. It felt good to see him (Shami) on the ground. He has bowled well too. Obviously, he has done his preparation, and he was confident from the start," Surya said.

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