Predicted India XI for the first T20

India and England will face each other in the first T20 match at Green Park, Kanpur. After dominating England in the ODI series, the Men in Blue would be looking to continue their dominating in the T20 series. It promises to be an exciting series between two top teams in world cricket. With the pitch expected to help the batsmen, the first match will set the tone of series. Here we look at the predicted India XI for the first T20.

1.       KL Rahul

KL Rahul did not have a great One day international series against England. His performance in T20 for 2016 was brilliant and would look to continue his impressive form in tomorrow’s first match. He needs to give the team a good start if India wants to post a big total.

2.       Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant has been included into the squad for the first time at international level. His performance in the domestic circuit and IPL last season was brilliant. The ability to hit big strokes makes him dangerous batsmen. He should make a debut in first T20 match which would help his confidence to perform well at the international level.

3.       Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli had a brilliant 2016 in T20 format also. He scored 641 runs in 13 innings with 7 half centuries which showed that he can bat well in all formats. With the captaincy role in T20 format, Kohli would be looking to continue his excellent form in T20 series against England.

4.       Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj Singh would be making a comeback into the T20 squad after some time. He played well in ODI series against England. His ability to destroy bowlers makes him dangerous batsmen. Yuvraj Singh would be ideal number 4 batsmen who can score at brisk pace and help India to post a big total.

5.       MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni also was the star with bat in the recently concluded ODI series against England. MS Dhoni should bat with full freedom and put pressure on the England bowlers by hitting big shots. If he can score quick runs it would help India to play well with positive intent.

6.       Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina is also making a comeback into the T20 squad. Suresh Raina would be playing at his home ground. His ability to hit big strokes and bowl few overs in the middle overs would be helpful for India in the T20 series.

7.       Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya did a decent job in the ODI series by picking wickets and also contributing. He was selected in the T20 squad last year. His ability to bowl medium pace and hard hitting abilities has given Virat Kohli choices of an all-rounder that can take wickets and score runs at quick pace.

8.       Yuzvendra Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal will lead the spinners department in place of R Ashwin who has been rested for the T20 series. Chahal has the ability to take wickets in middle overs and put pressure on the England batsmen. With the captaincy backing, Chahal bowling might be the difference in the match.

9.       Amit Mishra

Amit Mishra has been included in the squad replacing Ravindra Jadeja. Amit Mishra has been bowling well. With the power hitters in England squad, Mishra needs to pick wickets and also control the flow of runs in the middle overs.

110.   Ashish Nehra

Ashish Nehra would be making a comeback into the T20 squad after the IPL. He is an experienced bowler who has the ability to swing the ball and can pick early wickets. Ashish Nehra would be an ideal bowler in the death overs who can bowl Yorkers with accuracy.

111.   Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah was not at his best during the ODI series against England. The T20 series gives a chance for Bumrah to improve his death bowling. His ability to bowl Yorkers makes him a lethal bowler. He was the leading wicket taker for India in T20 for 2016.