IND vs ENG 2nd T20I Preview: The second T20I between India and England promises to be a thrilling encounter as the two cricketing powerhouses clash at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday, January 25. With India leading the series 1-0 after a comprehensive seven wicket win in the opening game, England will look to bounce back and level the series, while the hosts aim to clinch the trophy with a match to spare.
IND vs ENG 2nd T20I Preview: Key Details, Pitch Report & Players to Watch
Match Details
- Fixture: India vs England, 2nd T20I
- Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
- Date & Time: Saturday, January 25, 7:00 PM IST
- Live Broadcast: Star Sports Network, Disney+ Hotstar
What Happened in the First T20I?
India dominated the series opener in Kolkata, dismantling England by seven wickets. Varun Chakravarthy was the star of the match, picking up three wickets for 22 runs and tying the English batters in knots. Jos Buttler‘s 68 off 44 balls was the only bright spot for England, as they were bundled out for a modest 132.
India’s chase wasn’t without hiccups, with early dismissals of Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav. However, Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 79 off 34 balls sealed the game in style for the Men in Blue.
Pitch Report: MA Chidambaram Stadium
The pitch at Chepauk traditionally favors spinners, but recent matches have seen it offer something for the batters as well. Early on, the even bounce makes stroke play easier, but as the game progresses, the pitch tends to slow down. Dew isn’t expected to be a factor, which means captains might prefer batting first to set a challenging target.
Team News and Probable Playing XIs
India
India is unlikely to make changes to the winning combination. However, the spotlight will be on skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who will be eager to find form after a rare failure in the first match.
Probable XI:
Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi
England
England might consider bolstering their batting after their middle order failed to fire in the first game. Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone will need to step up in this must-win encounter.
Probable XI:
Phil Salt (wk), Ben Duckett, Jos Buttler (c), Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood
Players to Watch
India
- Abhishek Sharma: After a matchbwinning 79 in the first game, the opener will be high on confidence.
- Varun Chakravarthy: The mystery spinner thrives in spin friendly conditions like Chepauk.
- Hardik Pandya: The all rounder is always a game-changer with his ability to contribute in both departments.
England
- Jos Buttler: The England skipper was the lone warrior in the first game and remains a key figure.
- Jofra Archer: His pace and variations can trouble India’s top order.
- Adil Rashid: On a pitch that assists spin, Rashid could be a major threat in the middle overs.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Varun Chakravarthy vs Jos Buttler: Can the mystery spinner outfox England’s skipper again?
- Abhishek Sharma vs Jofra Archer: A battle between form and fiery pace at the top of the order.
- Adil Rashid vs Suryakumar Yadav: A clash of England’s best spinner against India’s 360 degree batter.
Who Holds the Edge?
India enters this game with momentum on their side, thanks to a dominant performance in the opener and their formidable spin attack, which suits the Chennai conditions. England, however, cannot be underestimated. With players like Buttler and Archer, they have the firepower to stage a comeback.
Prediction: India holds the edge and is likely to seal the series, but expect England to put up a much stronger fight.
How to Watch
Catch the live action on Star Sports Network or stream it on Disney+ Hotstar from 7:00 PM IST.
