IND Vs ENG 2025: Pitch Report For The 1st T20I, Eden Gardens T20 Stats And Records

Cricket fans worldwide are gearing up for a high-voltage spectacle as India and England lock horns in a much-anticipated five-match T20I series. The action kicks off on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Known for its electrifying atmosphere and cricketing history, the venue sets the stage for what promises to be an enthralling series between two cricketing giants.

Both teams come into the series with distinct motivations: India, eager to reassert its dominance in the shortest format on home soil, and England, keen to begin their 2025 campaign on a high note. With star players in action, a batting-friendly Eden Gardens pitch, and the return of seasoned pacer Mohammed Shami, this series promises to deliver unforgettable moments.

India’s Return to Home Soil: A Fresh Start

India heads into the series after a demanding cricket calendar that included challenging tours of South Africa and Australia. Despite the grueling schedule, the Men in Blue have shown remarkable resilience, and now they’ll have the added advantage of playing in familiar conditions.

One of the most exciting storylines for Indian fans is the return of Mohammed Shami to the T20 setup. Shami, who last played for India in the ODI World Cup 2023 final, brings a wealth of experience to the squad. His ability to deliver under pressure, both with the new ball and in the death overs, will be pivotal against a strong English batting lineup.

India’s T20 squad also boasts a mix of experienced players and young talent. Suryakumar Yadav, known as the “Mr. 360” of Indian cricket, will lead the team. The inclusion of players like Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, and Abhishek Sharma ensures a dynamic batting lineup, while bowlers like Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, and Varun Chakravarthy add variety to the bowling attack.

England’s New Year Mission: A Fresh Start in 2025

For England, this series marks their first cricketing assignment of the new year. After a brief hiatus following their tour of New Zealand in December 2024, the visitors are well-rested and raring to go. The English squad is led by Jos Buttler, whose explosive batting at the top of the order has been a hallmark of their white-ball success.

England’s roster features a mix of seasoned campaigners like Adil Rashid, Liam Livingstone, and Mark Wood, alongside rising stars such as Harry Brook and Rehan Ahmed. The team’s depth in both batting and bowling makes them formidable opponents, capable of turning games around in the blink of an eye.

Head-to-Head Record: India vs England in T20Is

The head-to-head stats between these two powerhouses add another layer of intrigue to the series. In 24 T20I matches played between the sides, India holds a slight edge, winning 13 games compared to England’s 11 victories. However, England has proven to be a tough competitor, especially on Indian soil, setting the stage for an intense battle.

Head-to-Head Record:

Matches Played: 24
India Won: 13
England Won: 11
No Results: 0

Eden Gardens: The Perfect Venue for a T20 Showdown

As one of the most iconic cricketing venues in the world, Eden Gardens is no stranger to hosting high-stakes encounters. With a seating capacity of over 66,000 and a history steeped in memorable matches, the atmosphere at Eden Gardens is unmatched.

T20 Stats at Eden Gardens:

Total Matches: 12
Matches Won Batting First: 5
Matches Won Bowling First: 7
Average 1st Innings Score: 155
Average 2nd Innings Score: 137
Highest Total: 201/5 (Pakistan vs Bangladesh)
Lowest Total: 70/10 (Bangladesh vs New Zealand)
Highest Successful Chase: 162/4 (India vs West Indies)
Lowest Score Defended: 186/5 (India vs West Indies)

The pitch at Eden Gardens is traditionally batting-friendly, with consistent bounce that allows stroke-makers to play freely. However, pacers can extract swing early on, while spinners often find assistance in the middle overs. With a quick outfield and short boundaries, the venue is tailor-made for high-scoring games, making toss decisions crucial.

Key Players to Watch

India:

Suryakumar Yadav (Captain): India’s skipper and T20I batting sensation will look to lead from the front with his innovative stroke play and ability to dominate bowlers across all phases of the game.
Mohammed Shami: Returning to the T20I fold, Shami’s experience and skill will be vital for India, especially in the powerplay and death overs.
Rinku Singh: The rising star has already made headlines in domestic cricket and the IPL. His finishing abilities and fearless approach make him a player to watch.
Axar Patel: A consistent performer, Axar’s all-round capabilities provide India with depth in both batting and bowling.

England:

Jos Buttler (Captain): Buttler’s explosive starts at the top of the order could set the tone for England. His leadership will also be tested in challenging Indian conditions.
Harry Brook: The young batting prodigy has been in scintillating form and could be a game-changer for England.
Adil Rashid: The veteran leg-spinner’s guile and experience make him a key weapon, especially on subcontinental pitches.
Mark Wood: Known for his raw pace, Wood will look to rattle Indian batters with short bursts of hostility.

Squads for the Series

India:

Captain: Suryakumar Yadav
Wicketkeepers: Sanju Samson, Dhruv Jurel
All-rounders: Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Hardik Pandya
Bowlers: Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana
Batters: Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy

England:

Captain: Jos Buttler
Wicketkeepers: Phil Salt, Jamie Smith
All-rounders: Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse
Bowlers: Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Saqib Mahmood, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood
Batters: Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Overton, Rehan Ahmed

What to Expect in the Series Opener

The opening match at Eden Gardens promises to set the tone for the series. India will look to leverage home conditions and draw first blood, while England will aim to overcome the subcontinental challenge and make a statement of intent. The match could hinge on key battles such as Shami vs Buttler, Rashid vs Suryakumar, and Brook vs Axar.

The toss will also play a crucial role, given the stats that favor chasing teams at Eden Gardens. With both sides boasting power-packed lineups, fans can expect fireworks right from the first ball.

As the cricketing world turns its attention to Eden Gardens, the India-England T20I series promises to be a thrilling contest. With both teams featuring a mix of seasoned campaigners and exciting new talent, the five-match showdown is poised to deliver edge-of-the-seat entertainment.

For India, the series is an opportunity to reestablish dominance in T20Is and give younger players exposure on the international stage. For England, it’s a chance to assert their prowess in a format where they’ve been among the best in recent years. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: fans are in for a cricketing treat.

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