NewsPhotos Team India's Probable Playing XI For IND vs ENG 3rd T20: Will Mohammed Shami Play? All Eyes On Captain Surykumar Yadav - In Pics

Team India's Probable Playing XI For IND vs ENG 3rd T20: Will Mohammed Shami Play? All Eyes On Captain Surykumar Yadav - In Pics

As India prepares for the third T20 against England in Rajkot, all eyes are on Team India's probable playing XI. With a series win within reach, questions swirl around key players, including the fitness of Mohammed Shami and the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav. The team has been in formidable form, but with a few spots up for grabs and England’s fightback looming, this match promises to be an exciting contest. Here’s a look at the likely lineup and key factors to watch as both teams battle it out on a high-scoring pitch.

Zee Media Bureau|

Updated:Jan 28, 2025, 09:08 AM IST

1. Team India's Probable Playing XI

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1 Sanju Samson (wk), 2 Abhishek Sharma, 3 Tilak Varma, 4 Suryakumar Yadav (capt), 5 Hardik Pandya, 6 Shivam Dube, 7 Axar Patel, 8 Washington Sundar, 9 Ravi Bishnoi, 10 Arshdeep Singh, 11 Varun Chakravarthy.

2. Mohammed Shami’s Fitness Concerns

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Mohammed Shami’s fitness remains a hot topic. With a packed schedule ahead, India’s management is weighing his inclusion. His match fitness could be the deciding factor for his appearance in the third T20.

3. Shivam Dube's Return to the XI

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Shivam Dube is set to return to India’s playing XI, potentially replacing Dhruv Jurel. Dube's all-round ability offers balance and strength in the middle order, crucial for India’s aggressive approach.

4. Tilak Varma’s Role as Finisher

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Tilak Varma has impressed with his explosive batting, especially in finishing roles. With his exceptional strike rate, Varma is poised to continue his vital role in the lower order for India.

5. Hardik Pandya’s All-Round Impact

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Hardik Pandya remains an integral part of India’s T20 squad, offering both batting depth and critical overs with the ball. His ability to change the game in key moments makes him indispensable.

6. India’s Spin-heavy Attack

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India’s spin department, including Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Ravi Bishnoi, will play a major role in the Rajkot T20. England’s struggles against spin could be key to India’s success on a flat pitch.

7. The Return of Arshdeep Singh

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Arshdeep Singh’s left-arm swing bowling has been a strong asset in India’s T20I attack. With his ability to bowl in the powerplay and at the death, he could be crucial for the upcoming game.

8. Varun Chakravarthy’s Mystery Spin

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Varun Chakravarthy’s variations and mystery spin make him a key figure in India’s T20 bowling attack. His performance against England’s top order will be pivotal in containing their aggressive hitters.

9. England’s Predicted Line-up and Weaknesses

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England's batting has faltered in recent games, and they will need to improve to challenge India. With India’s formidable spin attack, England’s ability to handle slow bowlers will determine the match outcome.

10. Rajkot's Pitch and Dew Factor

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Rajkot's flat pitch is expected to favor the batsmen, but dew could play a big role. The toss will be crucial, as chasing under lights could become difficult due to the slippery conditions.