India will kick off their 2025 cricket season with a highly anticipated T20I series against England, with the first match scheduled to take place at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on January 22, 2025. This marks a fresh chapter for the Indian team, with significant changes in the squad and the return of star bowler Mohammed Shami after a year-long injury recovery. The match is set to begin at 7 PM IST, and cricket fans across the globe are eagerly waiting for what promises to be an exciting encounter.
Key Highlights of India vs England 1st T20I
- Date: January 22, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM IST
- Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Format: 5-match T20I series
- Broadcasting: Star Sports (Television) | Disney+ Hotstar (Live Streaming)
India’s New Look for the 1st T20I
With the retirement of big names like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja from T20Is, this match represents a new era for the Indian team. Mohammed Shami will be the centre of attention as he makes his comeback to the national team after a lengthy recovery from a knee injury. His return has been eagerly awaited by fans and selectors alike. Shami’s recent performances in domestic cricket have shown that he is back to his fiery best, and under the guidance of Morne Morkel, he is expected to bring his A-game to the T20I series.
In the absence of the aforementioned legends, Suryakumar Yadav has been entrusted with the captaincy of the Indian T20I team, with Axar Patel as his deputy. Players like Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, and Rinku Singh will play pivotal roles in India’s bid for victory.
Predicted Playing XI for India:
- Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Tilak Varma
- Suryakumar Yadav (Captain)
- Rinku Singh
- Hardik Pandya
- Axar Patel (Vice-Captain)
- Mohammed Shami
- Arshdeep Singh
- Harshit Rana
- Varun Chakravarthy
England’s Strong Squad for the 1st T20I
England comes into this series with a balanced squad that boasts a mix of experienced players and young talent. With the likes of Jos Buttler (captain), Jofra Archer, Liam Livingstone, and Mark Wood in their ranks, the English side is undoubtedly a formidable opponent.
Although England’s squad doesn’t have a significant change in leadership, the team’s depth and flexibility make them one of the toughest competitors on the global stage. The presence of explosive players like Ben Duckett and Harry Brook will make England a strong contender to start the series with a win.
Predicted Playing XI for England:
- Phil Salt
- Ben Duckett
- Jos Buttler (Captain)
- Harry Brook
- Jacob Bethell
- Liam Livingstone
- Jamie Overton
- Gus Atkinson
- Adil Rashid
- Jofra Archer
- Mark Wood
India vs England Head-to-Head in T20Is
India and England have faced each other 11 times in T20I matches on Indian soil, with India winning six of these encounters. The only T20I played between the two sides at Eden Gardens came in 2011, where England emerged victorious by 6 wickets, with Kevin Pietersen playing a match-winning knock.
Where and How to Watch India vs England 1st T20I
TV Channels for India vs England 1st T20I:
The India vs England 1st T20I will be broadcast live on Star Sports in India. Fans can tune in to various Star Sports channels to watch the match in multiple languages.
- Star Sports 1 (English)
- Star Sports 3 (Hindi)
- Star Sports 1 HD
- Star Sports 1 Hindi HD
Live Streaming for India vs England 1st T20I:
For viewers who prefer to watch the match online, the live streaming will be available on Disney+ Hotstar, which holds the digital rights for the T20I series. You can catch all the live action, pre-match analysis, and post-match discussions on the platform. To access the live stream, simply subscribe to Disney+ Hotstar and enjoy uninterrupted coverage.
Final Thoughts
The India vs England 1st T20I promises to be an exciting affair, with both teams featuring dynamic lineups and a wealth of talent. While India looks to embark on a new chapter with young faces and the return of Mohammed Shami, England will look to continue their dominance in T20 cricket. With Eden Gardens hosting this thrilling encounter, cricket fans are in for a treat.
Don’t miss the action-packed clash on January 22, 2025, at 7 PM IST! Be sure to tune in to Star Sports or Disney+ Hotstar to catch every moment of the game.
