The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have announced their men’s squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against England, set to begin on January 22, 2025. A significant highlight of the squad is the return of fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who has been out of international cricket for 14 months due to injuries and recovery from surgery.
Squad Overview
The 15-member squad, led by Suryakumar Yadav, features a mix of experienced players and newcomers. Shami’s inclusion is expected to strengthen India’s bowling attack as they prepare for this crucial series, especially with the ICC Champions Trophy approaching in February.
Key Changes and Player Absences
Several key players from India’s Test squad have been rested for this T20I series. Notable omissions include Rishabh Pant, who has been a regular in the T20I setup, and Jasprit Bumrah, whose injury status remains uncertain. The selectors have opted for Dhruv Jurel as the second wicketkeeper alongside Sanju Samson. Additionally, Nitish Kumar Reddy has received his maiden call-up to the T20I side after previously missing out due to his involvement in the Test series against Australia. The management has also included Harshit Rana in place of other fast bowlers like Avesh Khan and Yash Dayal.
India’s T20I squad for England series
Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Axar Patel (vice-captain), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakravarthy, Washington Sundar.
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Importance of the Series
This series is pivotal for India as it serves as preparation ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 starting on February 19. The team aims to build momentum and solidify its strategy with a blend of youth and experience.
Shami’s return is particularly anticipated, as he last played during the ODI World Cup final in November 2023. His experience and skill are expected to provide a significant boost to the bowling lineup.
As fans eagerly await the start of the series, all eyes will be on how this revamped squad performs against a formidable England team known for its aggressive style of play.
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