After wrapping up two months of intense Test cricket, Team India is ready to transition to the white-ball format with the much-anticipated five-match T20 series against England. This series not only offers India a chance to regroup after some challenging Test matches but also sets the stage for the upcoming three-match ODI series against the same opponent and the ICC Champions Trophy later in the year.

Series Schedule and Venues: The action begins at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata and will move through four other major cricketing venues across India. Each match promises to be a display of high-octane cricket under the lights, with start times pegged at 7 PM IST to maximize audience engagement both at the grounds and on television.

Full Schedule:

• 22 January: 1st T20I at Eden Gardens, Kolkata
• 25 January: 2nd T20I at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
• 28 January: 3rd T20I at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot
• 31 January: 4th T20I at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
• 2 February: 5th T20I at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

Head-to-Head Record: India and England have a competitive T20I history with India leading slightly with 13 wins to England’s 11 in 24 matches. In India, the record is also closely contested, with England winning 9 of their 17 matches on Indian soil.

Viewing Options: Fans can catch all the live action on the Star Sports Network, and streaming is available on Disney Plus Hotstar. This accessibility ensures that fans won’t miss a moment of this enthralling series.

Detailed Squad Information:

India’s Squad:

• Suryakumar Yadav (Captain): The dynamic batsman leads the team, known for his innovative stroke play.
• Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper): A versatile player known for his aggressive batting and sharp wicketkeeping skills.
• Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy: Young talents who have shown promise in domestic circuits.
• Hardik Pandya: An all-rounder known for his ability to change the game with both bat and ball.
• Axar Patel, Washington Sundar: Skilled spinners who can also contribute with the bat.
• Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh: Emerging fast bowlers expected to bring energy and pace.
• Mohammad Shami, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi: Experienced in their roles, crucial for their bowling attack.
• Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper): Another young wicketkeeper with impressive domestic performances.

England’s Squad:

• Jos Buttler (Captain): The explosive wicketkeeper-batsman leads the English side with his aggressive play.
• Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith: Formidable batters known for their fast scoring.
• Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Jamie Overton, Rehan Ahmed: Young players who bring fresh energy and skills.
• Liam Livingstone: A powerful all-rounder known for hitting long sixes and bowling effective spin.
• Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Saqib Mahmood, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood: A strong bowling lineup with a mix of pace and spin, crucial for T20 format.

With both teams featuring a blend of seasoned internationals and exciting new talent, the T20 series is expected to be a closely contested affair. As the squads gear up for this high-profile series, the cricketing world eagerly awaits to see if India can maintain their formidable form in T20s or if England can disrupt their winning streak on Indian soil.

India’s T20 captain, Suryakumar Yadav, recently shared his feelings about not being included in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 squad. Despite his exclusion, Yadav expressed a positive outlook, especially regarding his role in the T20 format where he remains a key player for the national team.

Yadav, known for his aggressive batting style in T20 cricket, has not mirrored the same success in the One Day International (ODI) format. Over 37 ODI matches, he has amassed 773 runs at an average of 25.76, which he admits is not up to the mark. His candid reflection on his performance highlighted a mature approach to his career and selection matters.

“Why would it hurt? If I had performed better, I would have been in the Champions Trophy squad,” Yadav said during a press conference. “It’s crucial to accept the outcomes and support the team selected for the tournament. The current squad has performers who have proved their mettle in ODIs and deserve their spots.”

The explosive batsman also commented on the formidable bowling duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, emphasizing their importance to the team’s success in international tournaments. Although Bumrah is currently sidelined with back issues and will miss the T20 series against England, Yadav is optimistic about the team’s prospects with such experienced players.

As the T20 series against England approaches, Yadav’s focus shifts to leading India with the hope of contributing significantly and proving his mettle as a leader and player. His attitude towards his omission from the Champions Trophy roster reflects a balanced perspective, focusing on personal improvement and team success in future engagements.

In a gripping quarterfinal at the Australian Open 2025, Novak Djokovic clinched the second set against Carlos Alcaraz, turning the tide in a match filled with spectacular tennis. The score now stands at one set each, with Alcaraz winning the first 6-4 and Djokovic taking the second by the same score.

The match began under the lights of Rod Laver Arena, where Alcaraz initially took the lead. However, Djokovic, aiming for his 100th career title and a record 25th Grand Slam, displayed resilience and skill to level the playing field. This contest marks the first time the two have met in a Grand Slam quarterfinal, despite their history at Wimbledon where Alcaraz won in both 2023 and 2024.

Djokovic’s performance in the second set was a showcase of his ability to bounce back. After a shaky start and a 4-4 tie, he eventually held his serve and then broke Alcaraz to win the set. The Serbian star was visibly determined, overcoming unforced errors and maintaining composure under pressure.

Alcaraz, only 21 years old but already a four-time major winner, matched Djokovic’s intensity. He demonstrated his skill with a perfect drop shot to end a game that went to five deuces, indicating his readiness to challenge the veteran.

The match has been a display of both mental and physical endurance, with each player adapting strategies and making minor adjustments to gain the upper hand. As the game progresses, tennis fans are witnessing a captivating battle that highlights the best of what the sport has to offer.

Elsewhere in the tournament, two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka faced a tough challenge but managed to secure a spot in the semi-finals. She is set to meet Paula Badosa, who earlier defeated Coco Gauff.

As the Australian Open continues, the spotlight remains firmly on the Djokovic-Alcaraz match, promising more thrilling tennis action.