The five-match T20I series between India and England will begin this week. India and England first the match will be played at Eden Gardens on Wednesday (January 22).
The upcoming series will be India's first T20I assignment since 2025 and they will be looking to start the series on a winning note. Having not lost a T20I series under new captain Suryakumar Yadav, the Men in Blue will be keen to extend their unbeaten run.
So, as India prepare for the very important first home game of the new year, we take a look at the India Playing 11 for the first T20I.
India Playing 11 vs England – England Tour to India 2025:
Openers: Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma
Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma will be the openers in the India Playing 11 for the first T20I against England. Samson had a stunning outing in India's last T20I assignment which was the four-match series against South Africa.
While he recorded two ducks in the series, he also hit two terrific centuries. Before that, Samson also hit a century against Bangladesh. The wicketkeeper-batsman will be eyeing a similar performance against England as well.
He will also have a point to prove after being overlooked for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. While many expected him to make the squad, the selectors picked Rishabh Pant ahead of him.
Samson's opening partner Abhishek Sharma will also be looking to impress with the bat and cement his place in the team. The southpaw has recently impressed on the domestic circuit, posting four fifty-plus scores in his last five List A innings.
Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Nitish Reddy, Axar Patel
Captain Suryakumar Yadav will be keen to lead his side from the front as they aim for another series win. India have not lost a series since replacing Rohit Sharma as captain and the Mumbai star will be keen to do well in this series as well.
Tilak Varma will be India's number four batsman, playing 11 for the first T20I. The left-handed batsman batted in the series against South Africa, hitting unbeaten centuries in the last two games. He can create history by scoring another century in the upcoming game.
Rinku Singh will be another reliable option in the India Playing 11. The left-hander hasn't had much chance of late and will look to make the most of it if he gets the chance to showcase his finishing skills against England.
India Playing 11 is likely to have three designated openers – Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel and Nitish Reddy. All three players can change the course of a game with both bat and ball and will be looking to start the series on a good note.
Bowlers: Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh
India are likely to have two specialist pacers and a spinner in their playing 11. Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami is all set to return to the squad as he looks to play his first game for India since November 2023.
Arshdeep Singh could lead the attack while Varun Chakravarthy will spearhead the spin attack.