After a disappointing series against Ireland, India have landed in England to take on the hosts in five T20Is and three ODIs. The series will kick off with the T20I series, to be played from July 1 to 11. Despite the shocking series defeat against Ireland, India are unlikely to make drastic changes. The conditions in Ireland were quite challenging for the players who played two months of IPL on flat tracks. Also, the players didn’t have the time to adjust to the conditions in Ireland. As the fans wait for India’s next challenge, here we have a look at their likely playing XI for the first T20I against England –
openers
Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson look set to open the innings once again. Abhishek slammed a century in the series opener while he failed to open his account in the second T20I. Samson departed for first-ball ducks in both T20Is. Despite his struggles, Samson is likely to get a long rope as he was India’s best performer towards the end of the 2026 T20 World Cup. His three back-to-back half-centuries propelled India to a title win.
It means no place for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who warmed the bench against Ireland. Sooryavanshi is only expected to get an opportunity if India rest one of the openers after winning the series.
middle order
An unchanged middle order is expected and Ishan Kishan will continue to bat at number 3. He will be followed by captain Shreyas Iyer. Iyer flopped with the bat in both innings.
All-rounders
Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube and Harshit Rana are set to retain their spots. Tilak and Harshit almost took India past the winning target in the second game. India lost the fixture by just one run. Tilak will continue to assist Shreyas Iyer.
Bowlers
Varun Chakavarthy is likely to make his return to the playing XI for the first time. He wasn’t fit for the Ireland T20Is and missed both games. The mystery spinner has joined the Men in Blue in England and looks set to feature in the series opener.
Arshdeep Singh will continue to lead the pace attack. Prince Yadav made a memorable T20I debut and scalped three wickets for 22 runs in his four overs. He is set to be picked ahead of Prasidh Krishna again. India are likely to make just one change, with Chakaravarthy coming in place of Suryansh Shedge.
India’s likely playing XI for 1st T20I vs England
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, Prince Yadav
