It’s been a monumental period for India in cricket. Fresh off their tour of Australia, they’re now gearing up to face another powerhouse of the sport. Among the “Big Three” of cricket—India, Australia, and England—India is set to host England on home soil, where the excitement is bound to reach a fever pitch in the land of over a billion passionate fans.
When I think about the evolution of India’s T20 game, it’s fascinating to see how players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have shaped the team’s identity. But with both of them already retired from T20Is, a new era has begun. Enter Suryakumar Yadav as captain, with Axar Patel taking on the vice-captain role. The talent pool is overflowing, and it’s all thanks to the IPL—a tournament that’s been churning out cricketing stars since 2008.
The production line of talent coming out of India is truly remarkable, and it has transformed into something extraordinary. When you look at the depth of talent available, players like Arshdeep Singh, who has been making strides for some time, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, gaining valuable experience from tours, stand out. Then there’s Sanju Samson, whose frustrations about limited opportunities only highlight the incredible strength of India’s squad.
Rinku Singh has been a game-changer for KKR, consistently delivering explosive performances. Then there’s Varun Chakravarthy with his mysterious spin, and Washington Sundar, who has made his mark both on tours and in Test cricket. It’s an exciting time for Indian cricket. But my eyes will be on Mohammed Shami and his comeback. It’s been over a year since he last played, and considering the surgeries he’s undergone and the challenges he’s faced with his body, his return is a testament to his resilience as a pacer.
It’s an exciting prospect, and in many ways, returning to the T20 format could be just the right way for Shami to ease back into international cricket. With just four overs to bowl, it’s a manageable workload. Being part of the squad and back in the international fold gives him a real shot at reasserting himself. At 34, Shami still has plenty to offer, proving that age is just a number—there’s still plenty of life left in the veteran pacer. With so much to play for, the best may yet be ahead of him.
When you think about India’s all-rounder options, Hardik Pandya is another key player to watch. Despite facing challenges in the IPL last year, I believe he still has a lot to prove. Looking at the overall squad, it’s clear that there’s an exceptional depth of talent ready to take the game to new heights. The potential is truly extraordinary.
Abhishek Sharma is another all-rounder adding to India’s depth. The great thing for India is the fierce competition for spots and the strong balance within the team. This
depth makes them incredibly formidable. England, without a doubt, will face a tough challenge, especially with the match kicking off at Eden Gardens on Wednesday, the 22nd. The stage is set for an exciting contest.
On the other side, you have Jos Buttler and his dynamic squad. With Brendon McCullum now overseeing all formats as the England head coach, he’s truly become the guiding force for the team. His “Bazball” philosophy, which has dominated recent years, continues to shape England’s aggressive approach. I also see the crossover from Test cricket, which is a significant factor for McCullum’s influence, as he brings that fearless mindset to every format. It’s a shift that’s making waves in England’s cricketing culture.
McCullum values consistency and likes having familiar faces in the dressing room, building a strong, united group. One of the most exciting prospects is Jofra Archer, but the key question is whether his body can hold up, given his immense talent. Then there’s Mark Wood, who also has had his share of injuries, and Saqib Mahmood, adding further depth to the pace attack. The pace bowling department is looking incredibly exciting, with bowlers like Gus Atkinson making strides in the Test arena and Brydon Carse, who recently played Test matches in New Zealand, bringing even more promise to England’s fast-bowling lineup.
You can clearly see the pattern McCullum has followed with his selections. Jamie Smith is back in the fold after missing the New Zealand tour due to paternity leave. Then there’s Jamie Overton, a powerful all-rounder with a strong build, bringing both bowling and batting skills to the team. It’s a well-rounded squad that McCullum is shaping, with players like Smith and Overton adding further strength and depth.
Jacob Bethel is another intriguing talent, though we haven’t seen much of him yet. His connection with the Caribbean, particularly Barbados, makes him an exciting prospect. The competition for spots is fierce, especially with Jamie Smith returning to the squad. And let’s not forget Phil Salt, who has been nothing short of a revelation over the past
12 months, emerging as a real force in the lineup. The depth of talent within the team is only increasing.
Joss Buttler, as captain, will always be the first choice, especially in T20s. When I look at the lineup, players like Liam Livingstone, with his game-changing ability, and Ben Duckett at the top of the order, it promises to be an incredibly exciting series. Starting with T20s and then transitioning into the 50-over format ahead of the Champions Trophy next month in February, it’s shaping up to be a thrilling contest. The blend of talent and intensity makes this series one to look forward to.
