IND Vs ENG 2025: Pitch Report For The 2nd T20I, MA Chidambaram Stadium T20 Stats And Records

Date: January 25, 2025
Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Series Status: India leads 1-0 in the five-match T20I series

After a commanding seven-wicket victory in the first T20I, India will look to continue their momentum and dominate once again when they face England in the second game of the ongoing five-match T20I series at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. The Indians, led by Suryakumar Yadav, exhibited a near-perfect performance in the opening encounter, with their bowlers taking control of the game early and leaving England with little room to recover. This victory gave India a vital 1-0 lead, and they will be eager to extend it to 2-0, which would not only provide them with an upper hand in the series but also serve as a confidence booster for upcoming international assignments.

However, England, despite the loss, will have their sights firmly set on bouncing back. With a squad full of talent and key players like Jos Buttler, Ben Duckett, and Liam Livingstone capable of turning the tide, the visitors will aim to rectify their mistakes and level the series at 1-1. The inclusion of Brydon Carse in place of Gus Atkinson in the England squad is expected to bolster their bowling attack, which will be crucial on the Chennai pitch, known for offering assistance to bowlers who hit the deck hard.

As the two teams prepare to lock horns in this high-stakes match, let’s delve into the key details, playing conditions, team line-ups, and predictions that could shape the outcome of this exciting second T20I.

India’s Dominance in the First T20I

In the opening game of the series, India exhibited an all-around clinical performance to beat England by a commanding seven wickets. After electing to bowl first, India’s bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh and Ravi Bishnoi, kept England’s batting under check. England struggled to find their rhythm, with their key players failing to step up. The Indians used their discipline and teamwork to restrict the visitors to a total that was always going to be chaseable. While the bowlers put on a tight show, the Indian batters, including Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya, were equally solid in their approach, making light work of the chase.

The performance in the opening match has provided India with the perfect opportunity to carry forward their dominance. With the confidence gained from a convincing win, they are likely to come into the second match even more determined to secure the series win early.

England’s Response: Looking for a Bounce Back

On the other side, England will be disappointed with their performance in the first T20I but will be far from deterred. The team, under the leadership of Jos Buttler, possesses enough firepower to stage a comeback. Players like Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, and Ben Duckett have the ability to take the game away from the opposition on any given day.

Brydon Carse, who replaces Gus Atkinson in the playing XI for the second T20I, will add an extra layer of depth to the bowling attack. Carse, a bowler who can generate pace and bounce off the pitch, will be a useful asset in Chennai, where the conditions will assist those who bowl a hard length. The added pace may prove crucial in rattling India’s top order, which appeared to be untested in the first match.

Despite their defeat, England remains a formidable team, and they will be determined to level the series. They will need to execute a near-perfect game, with an improved performance from their batting unit and a more clinical showing from their bowlers, especially in the death overs.

The Chennai Pitch: A Balanced Contest Awaits

The MA Chidambaram Stadium, also known as Chepauk, has long been known for its spin-friendly conditions, but recent matches have indicated that the pitch has become a more balanced surface. While spinners continue to enjoy some assistance from the wicket, the track now provides opportunities for both batsmen and bowlers, making it an intriguing contest. The pitch’s slow nature demands patience from the batters, and both teams will need to adjust their strategies accordingly.

In T20 cricket, especially on this kind of pitch, the key will be to set a challenging total or restrict the opposition to a manageable score. Spin bowlers like Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi are expected to play a crucial role in the middle overs, while fast bowlers such as Mark Wood and Jofra Archer may find some bounce and carry, giving them an edge in the early stages of the innings. Teams winning the toss may prefer to bat first to set a target, considering the average first innings score at the venue is around 150 runs.

Here’s a quick look at the T20 stats at MA Chidambaram Stadium:

Total matches played: 9
Matches won batting first: 6
Matches won bowling first: 2
Average 1st innings score: 150
Average 2nd innings score: 122
Highest total recorded: 189/4 (20 overs) by South Africa Women vs India Women
Lowest total recorded: 80/10 (17.5 overs) by Pakistan Women vs England Women
Highest score chased: 182/4 (20 overs) by India vs West Indies
Lowest score defended: 103/8 (20 overs) by West Indies Women vs Pakistan Women

India’s Playing XI: A Well-Balanced Squad

India’s playing XI has a well-rounded mix of experience and young talent, offering depth in both batting and bowling. After their dominant win in the first match, there are unlikely to be many changes, though Suryakumar Yadav might make tactical adjustments depending on conditions and opposition.

Probable Playing XI for India:

Abhishek Sharma
Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper)
Tilak Varma
Suryakumar Yadav (captain)
Hardik Pandya
Rinku Singh
Axar Patel
Nitish Reddy
Arshdeep Singh
Ravi Bishnoi
Varun Chakravarthy

The Indian squad will rely on their top-order batsmen like Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson, who will need to continue their aggressive approach while ensuring they build partnerships. The pace attack, led by Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya, will look to exploit any early movement and set up the spinners for success.

England’s Playing XI: Can They Bounce Back?

England has a solid squad with several match-winners who can turn the game in their favor. With the inclusion of Brydon Carse in place of Gus Atkinson, England’s bowling attack is expected to be more potent. Mark Wood and Jofra Archer will spearhead the pace attack, while Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali will be looking to exploit any turn that the Chennai pitch may offer.

Probable Playing XI for England:

Ben Duckett
Phil Salt (wicketkeeper)
Jos Buttler (captain)
Harry Brook
Liam Livingstone
Jacob Bethell
Jamie Overton
Brydon Carse
Jofra Archer
Adil Rashid
Mark Wood

England’s top order, including Jos Buttler and Harry Brook, will need to provide a solid foundation. The middle-order, comprising the explosive Liam Livingstone and Ben Duckett, will look to accelerate towards the end. The England bowlers will need to target India’s weaknesses and execute their plans effectively, especially with spin playing a key role in Chennai.

A High-Stakes Clash Awaits

The second T20I between India and England promises to be an exhilarating contest. With India looking to build on their dominant performance in the first match and England aiming to bounce back strongly, the stage is set for an intriguing battle. The Chennai pitch will provide a true test for both batting and bowling units, and the team that adapts better to the conditions and executes their plans well will emerge victorious.

For India, a win in this match will give them a crucial 2-0 lead in the series, placing them in a dominant position. For England, this is a must-win match, as a defeat will make the road to a series victory extremely difficult.

As Suryakumar Yadav and his men look to consolidate their position and England seeks redemption, the MA Chidambaram Stadium will witness another chapter in what promises to be an exciting five-match T20I series.

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