England vs India, 1st T20I: India's Predicted Playing XI

All is set as the Indian team will embark their England tour with the first T20I at Old Trafford, Manchester. The visitors will aim to put their right step forward in the opening match against the in-form England side.

England tour is going to be pivotal as the next year World Cup is going to be played there. Thus, the Virat Kohli-led team will like to tick the right boxes. Men in Blue will look to be at the top of their game against the potent England side.

Meanwhile, India has lost the services of talisman fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. The fast bowler fractured his left thumb in the first T20I against Ireland. Thus, India has already suffered a huge blow before the T20I series.

Here is a look at India’s Predicted Playing XI for the first T20I against England.

Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma had scored a fine 97 in the first T20I game against Ireland. However, the Indian opener will know that it is going to be a different ball game altogether against the England side.

Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan is also in good form. The southpaw batsman had scored a good 74 against Ireland. Thus, the left-hander will like to continue with his good show.

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli didn’t have the best of series against Ireland. However, big players rise in the big matches and Kohli has proven his mettle. Kohli will like to top of his game against England.

Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina scored a fine fifty in the second T20I against Ireland to make his case strong in the last XI. Raina has all the experience under his belt and he would like to make the most of it in English conditions.

KL Rahul 

KL Rahul is in prolific form at the moment. Thus, the right-hander must find his place in the final XI of the Indian side. Meanwhile, it would be interesting to note Rahul’s batting position if he gets his chance.

India will look to put their best first step forward in England.

MS Dhoni (wk)

MS Dhoni was able to get back into form in the Indian Premier League. It is a great positive for the Indian team when Dhoni is batting all guns blazing.

Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya had provided the finishing touches to the Indian team in the second T20I against Ireland. Furthermore, Pandya will also like to contribute with the ball.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Bhuvneshwar Kumar will like to make the most of the swinging conditions in England. Consequently, the Indian pack leader will like to trouble English top order with his immaculate line and length.

Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav had scalped seven wickets in the two matches against Ireland. Thus, the chinaman spinner will like to repeat his performance against the England juggernauts.

Yuzvendra Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal was also right on the money against Ireland. Thus, the wrist spinner will have a crucial role to play on the England tour.

Umesh Yadav

Umesh Yadav had done a good job in the Indian Premier League. The fast bowler will like to hit the right length against the in-form England batsmen.