Key Points:
- Shami Returns After Long Hiatus: Mohammed Shami makes a comeback to the Indian T20 team after over a year, following a knee injury.
- Team Announced for England Series: Indian squad declared for five-match T20 series against England starting January 22, 2025.
- Pant Dropped, Samson Takes Lead: Sanju Samson named primary wicketkeeper, while Dhruv Jurel joins as backup.
- Axar Patel Named Vice-Captain: Axar Patel steps up as vice-captain for the series.
- Notable Exclusions: Jasprit Bumrah rested due to back stiffness; Yashasvi Jaiswal also not included.
- Balanced Squad: Team comprises 4 spinners, 3 pacers, and 2 fast-bowling all-rounders.
New Delhi: The Indian cricket team has unveiled its squad for the highly anticipated five-match T20 series against England, set to kick off on January 22, 2025. The spotlight is on veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who returns to the national side after battling a prolonged knee injury.
Shami’s Road to Recovery and Comeback
Shami, 34, last played for India during the 2023 ODI World Cup. After being sidelined for over a year, he returned to cricket through domestic tournaments, including the Ranji Trophy, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. While his recovery journey hit a minor setback with knee swelling during the Australia tour, Shami’s form and fitness have now earned him a spot in the squad.
Key Team Decisions
In a surprising move, Rishabh Pant has been excluded from the team. Sanju Samson has been appointed the primary wicketkeeper, with Dhruv Jurel as his backup. Axar Patel, continuing his impressive form, has been named vice-captain.
The team also sees notable exclusions, including Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jasprit Bumrah, the latter being rested due to back stiffness. Bumrah, who did not bowl in the fifth Test, has been given time to recover fully ahead of crucial assignments later in the year.
Squad Composition
The squad has been carefully balanced, featuring four spinners, three pacers, and two fast-bowling all-rounders. Suryakumar Yadav will lead the team as captain, bringing his aggressive batting style and tactical acumen to the forefront.
Full Squad:
- Captain: Suryakumar Yadav
- Vice-Captain: Axar Patel
- Wicketkeepers: Sanju Samson, Dhruv Jurel
- Batters: Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy
- All-rounders: Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya
- Pacers: Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana
- Spinners: Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar
Match Schedule: India vs. England T20 Series
The series will span five matches across major Indian cities. All matches are scheduled to start at 7:00 PM IST, with gates opening half an hour prior.
| Match | Day | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | Wednesday | 22-Jan-2025 | Kolkata |
| 2nd T20I | Saturday | 25-Jan-2025 | Chennai |
| 3rd T20I | Tuesday | 28-Jan-2025 | Rajkot |
| 4th T20I | Friday | 31-Jan-2025 | Pune |
| 5th T20I | Sunday | 02-Feb-2025 | Mumbai |
Building Momentum for the Series
With Shami’s return and a fresh squad dynamic, fans are eager to see how India performs against a strong England side. The series offers an excellent platform for younger players like Dhruv Jurel and Nitish Kumar Reddy to shine, while seasoned stars like Suryakumar Yadav and Axar Patel will anchor the team’s strategy.
As anticipation builds, cricket enthusiasts can expect high-octane action and gripping matches, making this series a must-watch for fans across the globe.
