Kolkata, January 21, 2025: As India prepares to take on England in a high-stakes five-match T20I series starting Wednesday, all eyes are on veteran pacer Mohammed Shami, whose much-anticipated return adds intrigue to the contest. The Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian squad aims to make amends for recent Test failures while fine-tuning its lineup ahead of next month’s Champions Trophy.
Shami’s Comeback: A Key Boost for India
Shami, who has been sidelined since India’s heartbreaking ODI World Cup final loss to Australia on November 19, 2023, is making a comeback after undergoing ankle surgery. The experienced pacer’s return is especially crucial as India’s lead bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, remains doubtful for the Champions Trophy due to a back injury.
Despite missing several games in the ODI World Cup, Shami finished as India’s highest wicket-taker with 24 scalps, including a stunning 7/57 in the semifinal against New Zealand. In his T20I career, the 34-year-old has also taken 24 wickets at an average of 29.62, a record he will be keen to improve.
Shami recently marked his competitive return in the domestic circuit, delivering a match-winning seven-wicket haul for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy. He followed it up with 11 wickets in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and five in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, proving his readiness for the international stage.
New Faces and Key Players in Focus
- Axar Patel Takes on Vice-Captaincy: The series also marks a new milestone for all-rounder Axar Patel, who has been appointed India’s T20I vice-captain. Axar’s match-winning 47 off 31 balls in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa, coupled with his nine wickets at an average of 19.22, played a pivotal role in India’s triumph.
- Sanju Samson at a Career Crossroads: Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson faces a crucial juncture in his career after being omitted from India’s Champions Trophy squad. Despite making history as the first Indian to score back-to-back T20I centuries against South Africa, he was not selected for Kerala’s Ranji Trophy match, raising questions about his future.
- Nitish Reddy’s Rising Star: Promising all-rounder Nitish Reddy, who notched up his maiden Test century against Australia in December, has earned a call-up, adding depth to India’s pace-bowling all-rounder options alongside Hardik Pandya.
England Begins a New Era Under McCullum
For England, this series marks the beginning of a new chapter under head coach Brendon McCullum, who took charge after Matthew Mott’s resignation following England’s early T20 World Cup exit. Known for revolutionizing Test cricket with his aggressive ‘Bazball’ strategy, McCullum now aims to bring the same attacking mindset to England’s limited-overs format.
While England will be without key players like Reece Topley, Sam Curran, and Will Jacks, 21-year-old Jacob Bethell, who impressed in the ODI series against the West Indies, will look to make an impact. England’s Test opener Ben Duckett, making his T20I return after six years, will also be one to watch.
Jofra Archer Returns to Lead England’s Pace Attack
Like Shami, England’s star pacer Jofra Archer will be under the spotlight as he makes his international return from injury. Archer will spearhead the pace attack alongside Mark Wood, who has recently recovered from an elbow injury. However, Indian conditions, particularly the evening dew factor, may challenge England’s bowlers.
Full Schedule of India vs England Series
- 1st T20I: January 24 – Kolkata
- 2nd T20I: January 25 – Chennai
- 3rd T20I: January 28 – Rajkot
- 4th T20I: January 31 – Pune
- 5th T20I: February 2 – Mumbai
- ODI Series: February 6 (Nagpur), February 9 (Cuttack), February 12 (Ahmedabad)
As India and England lock horns, the series promises high-intensity action, with both teams eager to establish dominance ahead of the Champions Trophy. Fans will be keenly watching Shami’s return, the new leadership under Suryakumar Yadav and Axar Patel, and England’s bold new approach under McCullum.
