Sanju Samson And...? 3 Indian Players To Watch Out For In 1st T20I Vs England

Anurag Dasgupta∙ Updated: Jan 21 2025, 1:30 PM

Players to watch out for Vs ENG [Source: @iamananthajith/X.Com]Players to watch out for Vs ENG [Source: @iamananthajith/X.Com]

The wait is over as the first T20I between India and England is set to commence on January 22 from the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The two teams have had quite the history and will relish a competitive battle against each other before the all-important ODIs begin. The 5-match series will provide a great chance for both the sides to test their team's strengths, keeping in mind the T20 World Cup next year in India.

Both India and England boasts plenty of powerhouses and expect the pitches to be a belter for the T20Is. The contest is likely to be dominated by the batters and ahead of the 1st T20I, we look at 3 Indian stars who can be the game-changers Vs England.

3) Sanju Samson

Despite scoring a century in his last ODI match, Sanju Samson was not selected in the India squad for the Champions Trophy. The Kerala batter had a prolific run in the ODIs, but couldn't get into the squad.

However, he can channelise it to torment the England bowler in a format where he has excelled as of late. The star batter smacked twin centuries in the last T20I tour of South Africa and has been in scintillating form. He should be the one to keep an eye on when the two teams will clash at the Eden Gardens.

2) Hardik Pandya

Eyebrows were raised when Hardik Pandya wasn't elected as the vice-captain for the Champions Trophy squad, and instead, India went ahead with Shubman Gill. Hardik, who has done nothing wrong was not selected for the position but he will look to prove his doubters wrong in the upcoming series Vs England.

He has had a couple of great T20I series for India and was also instrumental for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He can be the danger man in the middle-order for India and could be their biggest game-changer with his power-hitting and also with the ability to take wickets.

1) Mohammad Shami

The first T20I could potentially witness the comeback of Mohammed Shami in the Indian side after more than one year. The pacer was out with an injury and missed the entire 2024 on the sidelines.

However, he was included in the T20Is and the series could be of utmost importance for Shami. The pacer was also included in the Champions Trophy squad and the series Vs England will decide whether Shami is fit enough to play in the ODIs or not.

The pace bowler will be raring to go and will be eager to perform at his best against a formidable England team.