IND vs ENG 1st T20I Playing 11 Prediction, Fantasy Tips, Pitch Report, Live Streaming

India will take on England in 1st T20I on Wednesday [Source: @TheBarmyArmy, @surya_14kumar/X]

On Wednesday, India will lock horns with England in the first T20 International of the upcoming five-match series. The much-awaited face-off will take place at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

IND vs ENG 1st T20I Team Previews And Comparison

India

Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India have a robust squad comprising several outright match-winners throughout the lineup. While Sanju Samson forms an explosive top-order with Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma, the presence of Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh and Nitish Reddy adds firepower to the entire lineup. 

However, with Jasprit Bumrah absent and Mohammed Shami coming from a long injury layoff, India will primarily rely on the in-form Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy to spearhead their bowling unit. 

England

On the other hand, England, led by Jos Buttler, can give a power-hitting competition to the home side, thanks to their incredible batting unit. The likes of Phil Salt, Buttler and Harry Brook are expected to be England's key batter, while the eyes will also be on Jacob Bethell and Liam Livingstone who form the English middle order. 

Coming to England's bowling department, Jofra Archer and Mark Wood will be the real threats to the Indian lineup, with the experienced Adil Rashid leading the spin attack. 

---

ALSO READ

IND vs ENG T20I Series: Live Streaming, Channel, Squads, Fixtures, Date And Time

---

IND vs ENG 1st T20I Match Details And Live Streaming

IND vs ENG 1st T20I Pitch Report: How Will Surface At Eden Gardens In Kolkata Behave?

The surface at Eden Gardens in Kolkata is expected to be a batting paradise. It has been one of the most high-scoring venues in the IPL of late; so we can expect the batters to run riot by using its pace, bounce and a lightning-quick outfield. 

Having said that, don't rule out the possibility of the new ball bowlers getting a hint of seam movement and the spinners turning the ball slightly in the middle overs. Dew will likely play a key role, making things difficult for the bowlers in the second half. So, the toss-winner will likely bowl first. 

IND vs ENG 1st T20I Playing XI Prediction

India's probable XI: Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami (if not fit then Harshit Rana), Varun Chakravarthy

England's probable XI: Phil Salt (WK), Ben Duckett, Jos Buttler (C), Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood

IND vs ENG 1st T20I Fantasy Tips And Key Players

• The playing conditions at Eden Gardens in Kolkata generally favour the batters. Focus on picking a batter-heavy team, as the conditions will likely be excellent for batting. 
• Although the chasing side might get the advantage of toss, you might back India to win even if they bowl second, as they have a more formidable team on paper. 
• Abhishek Sharma could be a risky pick, considering his inconsistency in T20Is and England's lethal new ball bowling pair. Although India have Arshdeep Singh, who can swing the new ball, you might take a risk of picking Phil Salt, as the batter has struck 350 IPL runs at an average of 58.33 and a strike rate of 185.18 at this venue. 
• Varun Chakravarthy is in sublime form and has bagged 21 wickets in 15 IPL matches at Eden Gardens. Although the track doesn't offer significant turn like it once used to, you might include the wily finger spinner in your team. 
• India's Expected Key Players: Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy
• England's Expected Key Players: Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell, Jofra Archer, Jamie Overton

IND vs ENG 1st T20I Winner Prediction

Considering India have a more robust lineup and have won nine of their last ten T20Is, we reckon the hosts will emerge victorious in this match. 

---

ALSO READ

Sanju Samson On The Verge Of Breaking MS Dhoni's Massive Record In England T20Is

---