India are all set to begin a crucial five-match T20I series against England, with the opening encounter scheduled to be played on July 1 at Chester-le-Street. The series presents an opportunity for the visitors to put behind the disappointment of their recent 0-2 defeat against Ireland, where the Men in Blue suffered a surprise whitewash. With several young players in the squad and competition for places intensifying ahead of future ICC events, team selection has become one of the biggest talking points. Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has now revealed the playing XI he would field for the series opener, making a few notable decisions, including leaving teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi out of the side.
Kris Srikkanth picks his India XI for the opening T20I
Sharing his preferred combination on his YouTube channel, Kris Srikkanth opted for a playing XI that strikes a balance between proven international performers and exciting young talent. The former India captain largely backed players who have already cemented their places in the T20I setup, while also showing faith in a couple of emerging fast bowlers for the series opener against England.
Srikkanth retained the explosive opening combination of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, expecting the duo to provide India with an aggressive start in the powerplay. He slotted Ishan Kishan at No. 3, believing the left-hander’s attacking approach can keep the momentum going if an early wicket falls. Captain Shreyas Iyer was picked to anchor the middle order at No. 4, with Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube following him to add firepower during the middle and death overs.
The former chief selector also entrusted Axar Patel with the all-rounder’s role, citing his ability to contribute in all three departments. Axar’s left-arm spin, reliable lower-order batting and sharp fielding make him one of the first names in Srikkanth’s preferred XI.
For the bowling department, Srikkanth chose a pace-heavy attack led by Arshdeep Singh, who is expected to shoulder the responsibility with the new ball and at the death. He paired him with Harshit Rana and Prince Yadav, two young pacers who have impressed with their ability to generate pace and extract bounce. Varun Chakaravarthy was picked as the lone specialist spinner, with his mystery spin expected to play a crucial role in the middle overs, while Axar provides the second spin option.
Kris Srikkanth’s India XI for the first England T20I: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy and Prince Yadav.
Srikkanth explains why he ignores Vaibhav Suryavanshi in India’s XI
Although Srikkanth has been vocal in his admiration for 15-year-old batting prodigy Suryavanshi, he admitted that the youngster’s omission from the Ireland series has influenced his selection for the opening games against England. The former chief selector felt Suryavanshi should have been handed an opportunity in the second T20I against Ireland, particularly after Abhishek had already impressed with a half-century in the series opener.
“He (Suryavanshi) should have 100% played the second T20I against Ireland. Abhishek Sharma should have been rested as he got a brilliant 50 in the first match. Instead of him, Suryavanshi should have played. Abhishek Sharma is a certainty anyway so Vaibhav Suryavanshi could have got a chance to play in the second Ireland match,” Srikkanth said.
He further argued that Suryavanshi has already shown his ability to succeed under pressure during the IPL and could even have changed India’s fortunes against Ireland had he been included.
“For all you know, he might have won them the game because he has performed well in difficult conditions in the IPL. But now that he hasn’t played against Ireland, I won’t play him in the first two T20Is against England,” he added.
