Former Indian Test batter Cheteshwar Pujara doesn’t see India making any changes to their playing XI for the first T20I against England. Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson are expected to open the innings for India despite the presence of in-form Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the squad.

Pujara backed Ishan Kishan to bat at number three against England in the T20I format. The same trio had done a fine job for India in the T20 World Cup 2026, with Samson scoring 321 runs in five games.

Furthermore, Ishan Kishan scored 317 runs in nine matches of the T20I showpiece. Moreover, Abhishek Sharma had scored a fine half-century in the final against New Zealand after a disappointing run in the whole tournament.

Pujara said on Star Sports, “I don’t see any changes in India’s top three of Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Ishan Kishan. Both Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan will be part of the opening XI for sure.”

“When India rotate their players, Vaibhav Suryavanshi will certainly feature in at least one match.”

The former Indian batter said vice-captain Tilak Varma can bat at either number five or six for the national team.

Pujara added, “According to me, Tilak is a batter who can surely bat in the top three, but at the same time, he has shown that he can bat at No. 5 and 6 as well.”

The former Saurashtra batter said Washington Sundar might have to wait for his chances and he picked Varun Chakravarthy as the first-choice spinner.

“With the options that India have like Axar Patel, then Varun Chakaravarthy, who is not an all-rounder, but he will be the first choice if India want to play just one spinner. Washington might get a chance being an off-spinner and all-rounder when there are more left-handers,” Pujara commented.

India will play the first T20I against England on 1st July.