India, the reigning T20 World Cup champions, will host England in a five-match T20 series as they begin their preparations for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup. This series also serves as a warm-up for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan. India, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, has maintained an impressive winning streak in T20 cricket, having won every bilateral series since August 2023.
Ahead of the series, the Indian team has hinted at a flexible approach, with vice-captain Axar Patel noting that the team plans to experiment with a floating batting lineup. “The openers are fixed, but the middle order will be flexible depending on match situations,” Patel explained. This approach aims to maintain momentum and build on their recent successes as India looks to carry their winning form into the next T20 World Cup.
England, on the other hand, has struggled to find consistent form in the T20 format since their semifinal appearance at the 2024 World Cup. Led by captain Jos Buttler, the team hopes to bolster their batting lineup with the inclusion of young talents like Jacob Bethell and Jamie Smith. The series marks England’s first limited-overs tour under new coach Brendon McCullum, who is eager to bring an exciting brand of cricket to the team.
Full Match Schedule for India vs England T20 Series:
- First T20: Wednesday, January 22, 7:00 PM (13:30 GMT) – Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Second T20: Saturday, January 25, 7:00 PM (13:30 GMT) – MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
- Third T20: Tuesday, January 28, 7:00 PM (13:30 GMT) – SCA Stadium, Rajkot
- Fourth T20: Friday, January 31, 7:00 PM (13:30 GMT) – MCA Stadium, Pune
- Fifth T20: Sunday, February 2, 7:00 PM (13:30 GMT) – Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
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Head-to-Head Record:
India and England have a long history of closely contested T20 matches. India leads the head-to-head record with 13 wins from 24 encounters, including a recent semifinal win at the 2024 T20 World Cup in Guyana. England has won 11 of their T20 matchups with India, with their last victory coming in the 2022 T20 World Cup.
Form Guide:
- India: The world champions are in great form, having won a 3-1 series in South Africa and a 3-0 sweep of Bangladesh. India has not lost a T20 series since August 2023.
- England: After winning their last series against the West Indies, England faced a tough semifinal exit in the 2024 World Cup. However, they aim to regain their winning form, similar to their 2022 World Cup victory.
Team News:
- India: Sanju Samson continues as the team’s wicketkeeper and opening batter, while Mohammad Shami returns after a long injury layoff. Washington Sundar is also back after the Test tour of Australia.
- England: The squad includes young talents like Bethell and Smith, with an emphasis on building a strong lineup for the upcoming Champions Trophy and future ODI series.
Both teams will look to use this series as a key stepping stone toward bigger tournaments, with India aiming to maintain their dominance in T20 cricket and England hoping to find their rhythm once again.