After a challenging Test season, the Indian cricket team is set to refocus on white-ball cricket. They are gearing up to host England for five T20Is and three ODIs before heading to Dubai for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The IND vs ENG T20I series kicks off on January 22. While the ODI series will likely garner more attention from selectors and fans, the T20I series holds its own significance as the Suryakumar Yadav-led side begins preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, set to be hosted in India.
On January 11, the BCCI unveiled India’s squad for the T20I series against England, featuring a major inclusion and a significant omission. Additionally, the selectors made intriguing decisions regarding a couple of all-rounders. Let’s delve into the key talking points.
3 big takeaways from India’s squad for T20I series
1. Mohammed Shami’s International Comeback
The highlight of India’s squad announcement is the return of pacer Mohammed Shami to international cricket after over 14 months. Shami’s last appearance for India was in the ICC World Cup 2023 final. Post that, he underwent ankle surgery in February 2024 and began his recovery journey.
Shami made a domestic comeback in November 2024, featuring in one Ranji Trophy match, all nine Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy games, and three Vijay Hazare Trophy fixtures. Unfortunately, swelling in his knee caused him to miss the latter part of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Now fully fit, Shami is set to make his international return in the IND vs. ENG T20I series and is expected to play in the subsequent ODIs. With his fitness and rhythm intact, Shami will likely secure a key spot in India’s Champions Trophy squad, especially with Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness still uncertain.
2. Axar Patel Elevated to Vice-Captain
Previously, Hardik Pandya served as the white-ball vice-captain, while Suryakumar Yadav took over as captain. Shubman Gill was named vice-captain for the Sri Lanka tour. However, with Gill rested for the England series, Axar steps into the leadership role despite Pandya being part of the squad.
3. No Rishabh Pant’s?
Sanju Samson has emerged as an indispensable player with his outstanding performances, including three centuries in his last five T20I innings. Samson’s form has strengthened his claim to be India’s first-choice opener, even when Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal return.
Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant, who was India’s preferred keeper-batsman in the T20 World Cup 2024, finds himself under scrutiny. Despite playing in two of the three T20Is in Sri Lanka last year, his T20I stats—an average of 23 and a strike rate of 127 after 76 matches—have been underwhelming.
While Pant is likely rested after a grueling Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Samson’s recent performances could make him the top contender for the keeper-batsman role in the T20I squad.