Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's wait for an India debut continues after the youngster was left out of the playing XI for the first T20I against England on Friday. The much-anticipated opener failed to make the cut as the Men in Blue named an experienced side for the series opener.
Meanwhile, newly-appointed India captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bat first, looking to put the disappointment of the 0-2 T20I series whitewash against Ireland behind them. With five matches to be played, India will be hoping to start the series on a positive note against a formidable England side.
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Ravi Bishnoi and Varun Chakaravarthy back in squad
Speaking after winning the toss, Shreyas Iyer said the Ireland series was firmly behind the team and the focus was now on making a fresh start against England. The Indian skipper added that leading the side in another T20I series was an exciting opportunity and revealed that the team had already acclimatised to the conditions after a productive training session.
Iyer also mentioned that India had analysed England's strengths and weaknesses heading into the contest and expected a pitch with a decent covering of grass. While admitting it was difficult to predict how the wicket would behave, he stressed that India's intent would remain aggressive throughout the game.
The skipper confirmed that India had opted for a balanced combination featuring three spinners, with Axar Patel providing the all-round option alongside specialist spinners Ravi Bishnoi and Varun Chakaravarthy, while two frontline pacers completed the attack.
England captain Harry Brook admitted that he would have preferred to bowl first but was satisfied with the conditions on offer. Brook said the squad was excited to begin the series against one of the strongest teams in world cricket and added that the experienced core of the England side, including Jos Buttler, Phil Salt and Sam Curran, made his job as captain much easier.
Brook also confirmed England's playing XI, with Buttler and Salt opening the innings, followed by himself, Jacob Bethell, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood and Luke Wood.
India and England Playing XIs
India (Playing XI): Sanju Samson(w), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer(c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy
England (Playing XI): Philip Salt, Jos Buttler(w), Harry Brook(c), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Saqib Mahmood, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood.