The BCCI has announced the Indian squad for the upcoming T20I series against England, with several notable inclusions and changes. Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami returns to international cricket after a prolonged absence, while Axar Patel has been elevated to the role of vice-captain.
The five-match series begins on January 22, 2025, in Kolkata and will feature games in Chennai, Rajkot, Pune, and Mumbai. This series serves as a crucial preparation for the Champions Trophy later this year.
Key Highlights:
Mohammed Shami’s Comeback
After being sidelined since the 2023 ODI World Cup final due to an ankle injury and subsequent surgery, Shami is set to don the Indian jersey again. His return follows a monitored rehabilitation program that included appearances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
The England T20 series will provide Shami a platform to re-establish himself ahead of the Champions Trophy.
Axar Patel: A Surprising Vice-Captaincy
The promotion of Axar Patel to vice-captain has raised eyebrows, given Hardik Pandya’s presence in the squad. Despite Hardik’s leadership experience in the IPL and T20I formats, selectors have opted for Axar as Suryakumar Yadav’s deputy.
This decision reflects Axar’s growing stature in Indian cricket as a dependable all-rounder.
Squad Highlights
Key Inclusions
- Dhruv Jurel: Included as the second-choice wicketkeeper, marking a significant step in his career.
- Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Nitish Reddy: Returning after missing the South Africa tour due to their involvement in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Notable Omissions
- Rishabh Pant: Absent since July 2024, with selectors continuing to back Sanju Samson as the primary wicketkeeper.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: Missing from the squad, allowing Abhishek Sharma and Samson to open.
Full Squad List Given By BCCI
- Suryakumar Yadav (C)
- Axar Patel (vc)
- Sanju Samson (wk)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya
- Rinku Singh
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Harshit Rana
- Arshdeep Singh
- Mohammed Shami
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Washington Sundar
- Dhruv Jurel (wk)
Schedule for the T20 Series
- 1st T20I: January 22, Kolkata
- 2nd T20I: January 24, Chennai
- 3rd T20I: January 26, Rajkot
- 4th T20I: January 28, Pune
- 5th T20I: January 30, Mumbai
Champions Trophy Preparations
The T20I series against England will be followed by a three-match ODI series, providing the team with valuable match practice ahead of the Champions Trophy. Players like Mohammed Shami and Axar Patel will aim to use these matches to cement their spots in the squad for the global tournament.
The BCCI’s announcement of the India squad for the England T20 series marks the return of key players like Mohammed Shami and highlights the selectors’ trust in emerging talents like Dhruv Jurel. With the Champions Trophy on the horizon, this series will be a litmus test for India’s preparations.
Stay tuned for thrilling cricket action as India takes on England in this exciting five-match series!
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