India and England are all set to renew their storied rivalry as the England Tour of India 2025 kicks off with the first T20I at Kolkata's Eden Gardens on January 22. The action-packed series will feature five T20Is and three ODIs, promising a showcase of thrilling cricket between two of the sport's strongest sides.
India will be led by the dynamic Suryakumar Yadav in the T20Is, while Jos Buttler, England's charismatic skipper, will helm his side in both formats. A significant highlight for India is the return of veteran pacer Mohammed Shami, who is making his international comeback in the T20I series. His inclusion bolsters the pace attack, providing experience and firepower.
However, once again, Rishabh Pant remains out of the T20I squad, having not featured in the format since July 2024. Dhruv Jurel has been retained as the second-choice keeper, while Sanju Samson continues to be the frontline wicketkeeper-batter. Samson is expected to open alongside Abhishek Sharma, filling the void left by Yashasvi Jaiswal's absence.
For England, a blend of seasoned players and young talents under Buttler’s leadership ensures a formidable challenge for the hosts. The series is crucial for both teams as they fine-tune their preparations for upcoming ICC tournaments.
With Eden Gardens hosting the opening game, cricket fans can look forward to a captivating start to what promises to be a fiercely contested series.