Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali has recalled ex-India captain Mohammad Azharuddin‘s words praising Tilak Varma, following the youngster’s heroics in the second T20I against England on Saturday. Tilak is thriving in his new role as India’s designated no. 3 in T20I. On Saturday, he hit a brilliant 55-ball 72 not out, laced with four boundaries and five sixes, to help India chase down 166 with two wickets and four balls to spare. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Basit recalled how Azharuddin spoke highly about Tilak, who had not made his India debut back then.

“When I interviewed Mohammad Azharuddin, he took the name of Tilak Varma when he was nothing, playing only in IPL. He said, ‘There is Tilak Varma, watch him [play]’ and now it’s come true,” Basit said on his YouTube channel.

Sharing his views on Tilak’s performances at no. 3, Basit credit India head coach Gautam Gambhir for using the left-right combination wisely.

“Duniya ek numbari to Tilak Varma teen nambari (If the World No.1, then Tilak Varma is No. 3.) You’ll ask what did I say? It’s because he is performing back-to-back since he’s come at No. 3. You saw [in the match], that Gautam used the left-right combination [well]. (Varma) Played well, what a match,” he added.

Since being promoted to no. 3 during the tour of South Africa last year, Tilak smashed two consecutive centuries against the Proteas.

After his knock against England in Chennai, Tilak admitted that India captain Suryakumar Yadav giving him the number three position has been the turning point of his batting career in the shortest format.

His stats as a number three batter now read as 419 runs in 11 innings with an average of 69.83 and strike-rate of 171.02.

“When Surya bhai gave me that No.3 position in South Africa, it was a turning point for me. So, I would like to congratulate and thank Surya bhai for that. As for this series, there is a left-right combination going on, so wherever I am needed, I am there. The flexibility is good, and I am adapting well to it. I am always ready,” said Tilak.

Abhishek Sharma smashed a blistering 34-ball-79 in an exhibition of breathtaking power-hitting on the back of a disciplined bowling effort, as India outplayed England by seven wickets in the first T20I in Kolkata on Wednesday. India now lead the five-match series 1-0. On a day when Gautam Gambhir’s coaching set-up made headlines by delaying Mohammed Shami’s much-anticipated return to international cricket, India bundled out England for a paltry 132 at Eden Gardens, where the average first-innings score is around 195.

Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy was at his devastating best, returning figures of 3/23, ably supporting left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh’s record-breaking spell of 2/17.

Arshdeep not only rattled England with his precision but also etched his name in the record books, surpassing Yuzvendra Chahal (96 wickets) to become India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is with 97 scalps.

But Abhishek’s clean hitting, including five fours and eight sixes, in a 20-ball half-century, took the game away from England as India cruised to the target in commanding fashion with 43 balls to spare.

He shared a third wicket partnership with Tilak Verma (19 not out) who showed fine maturity in the partnership of 84 that came at a strike rate of 200.

Abhishek showcased his full range of shots, flicking one over fine leg reminiscent of Yuvraj Singh, backing away to uppercut another for six over third man, and finishing the over with a straight-driven boundary.

The 18-run over eased the pressure on India and shifted the game decisively.

India’s strategy against Archer’s final over was cautious, as Abhishek and Tilak Varma played him out with maturity.

Abhishek was handed a lifeline on 29 when Adil Rashid spilled a sharp return catch.

Capitalising on the reprieve, the Indian opener unleashed his power, taking on Rashid with disdain.

He smashed the leg-spinner for a boundary and two towering sixes in consecutive deliveries, putting India firmly in control.

Abhishek brought up his half-century in spectacular fashion, hooking a 140.7 kph short ball from Jamie Overton over fine leg with supreme confidence.

By the halfway mark, India had surged to 100/2, turning the target into a mere formality.

Gambhir’s decision was vindicated because perfect execution of plans by his spin troika of who snared 5 for 67 in 12 overs bowled between them.

Despite the dewy conditions, India went in with three spinners — Ravi Bishnoi (0/23 in 4 overs), Axar Patel (2/22 in 4 overs), and Chakravarthy — backing record-breaker Arshdeep Singh’s fiery opening spell.

The left-arm quick set the tone by dismissing both openers, Phil Salt (0) and Ben Duckett (4), in successive overs en route to his 2/17 from four overs.

His first spell of 3-0-10-2 also saw him surpass Chahal’s tally.

Stand-in skipper Suryakumar Yadav managed his bowlers astutely, ensuring timely changes and capitalising on their momentum after winning the toss. The pitch offered some grip, and the dew had minimal impact.

England’s struggles were compounded as they failed to build partnerships, with only skipper Jos Buttler holding the innings together.

Buttler (68 from 44 balls) played a composed knock, reaching his fifty off 34 balls, mixing power and precision to keep England afloat amidst the wreckage.

Chakravarthy turned the game decisively in India’s favour post-powerplay finding his mojo back at his IPL home venue.

Returning to his IPL home ground, the Kolkata Knight Riders spinner dismissed Harry Brook (17) and Liam Livingstone (0) in quick succession before eventually sending Buttler back, breaking England’s resistance.

Ravi Bishnoi complemented the attack beautifully with a tight spell of 0/22 from his four overs, while Axar Patel recovered from a shaky start to finish with 2/22, including a maiden.

The spinners dominated the middle overs, conceding just 25 runs and picking up two crucial wickets between overs 10 and 15. The English batters weren’t able to pick the wrist spinners from their hands.

England’s misery was compounded by some reckless shot selection.

Youngster Jacob Bethell (7) escaped a close stumping chance off Chakravarthy but couldn’t capitalise, mistiming a pull to deep midwicket to become Hardik Pandya’s first victim.

Pandya was initially expensive smashed for 18 runs where Buttler smashed him for four boundaries but he was cleverly rotated by Suryakumar as he bowled tidily at death and finished with 2/42.

England were eventually bowled out in the final delivery when Mark Wood was run out for 1.

Despite the early counterattack from Brook and Buttler, England never truly recovered from Chakravarthy’s twin strikes.

It is certainly a transitioning time for hosts India as they adjust to life without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who retired from the shortest format after the 2024 T20 WC victory. Abhishek Sharma is one of the few players on the shortlist of replacements but has failed to show consistency in his brief tenure with the national team. The left-handed top-order batter is known for his ability to hit all parts of the ground. This prowess was on full display when he scored a blistering century off 47 deliveries in the second T20I vs Zimbabwe in July 2024.

Former India batter Aakash Chopra has acknowledged Sharma’s potential but believes he will need to be in full form in the five-match series against England, beginning on Wednesday at the Eden Gardens, if he wants to maintain his spot in the side.

“Abhishek’s form has been a little up and down. In the beginning, in his second T20I, he scored a century against Zimbabwe. After that, a lot of promise, and a lot of potential, but not enough performance. So, I think for Abhishek Sharma, this is the final opportunity, and I really love the kid. I think if he does well, it will be a great thing. But these 5 matches—go ahead and live your life. Because in these matches, like Sanju has made his name in the last 3 matches, in the same way, Abhishek Sharma will have to do it. Or else, there will be a little change in time, and Jaiswal will come back,” said Chopra to Star Sports.

Sharma has represented the national team in 12 T20Is and barring the century against Zimbabwe, he has managed to accumulate 156 in 11 games. Although his strike rate is promising at 171.81, his average is certainly a worry at 23.27.

The Suryakumar Yadav-led team will be bolstered with the return of pace veteran Mohammed Shami ahead of the all-important Champions Trophy, scheduled to start next month. Shami last played for India in the ODI World Cup final against Australia in November 2023. On the other hand, pacer Mark Wood will make his return to the team for the first time since August. He will join Jofra Archer and Jamie Overton in England’s pace-attack as the visitors announced their playing XI for the series opener on Tuesday.

India and England have faced each other 24 times in T20Is, with India holding a slight advantage with 13 wins to England’s 11. However, India have won five of the last seven T20I encounters between the two teams since 2021. Their last T20I clash occurred in the semi-finals of the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup, where India secured a memorable victory.

The series will begin in Kolkata and then move to Chennai, Rajkot, Pune, and Mumbai for the remaining matches. The final T20I will take place in Mumbai on February 2.

Chopra further went on to label the battle of heavyweights as a ‘bat-vs-bat contest.’

“It’s going to be a bat-vs-bat contest. Because batting is a heavy-weight on both sides. If we look at the clash, it’s not a light-weight clash. It’s a heavy-weight clash, in which, if you hit a six, the other team can hit two. And it’s possible that if the pitch is right, both innings will be equal. The tempo can be set with the first match, and the other team will also look at it from the same perspective.

“You’re also playing elevens. You’re also worried about batting. That’s why you play two-three proper bowlers; the rest are all-rounders. So, when both teams play the same type of cricket, almost a similar brand of cricket, then there should be a good clash. In my opinion, there should be a lot of runs,” he added.

India T20 skipper Suryakumar Yadav on Tuesday said Hardik Pandya remains very much part of the leadership group despite the elevation of Axar Patel as his deputy. Following the retirement of Rohit Sharma form T20s last year, Hardik was tipped to lead the side but Suryakumar was given that responsibility after the arrival of new coach Gautam Gambhir. Ahead of the five T20s against England, Hardik was removed as vice-captain and Axar was handed that responsibility.

However, Suryumar insisted that he continues share a healthy bond with his IPL captain and Hardik is very much part of leadership group. “My relationship with him has been really great. We have been playing for a very long time right now,” said Suryakumar on the eve of their match against England at Eden Gardens.

“I still remember 2018 when I went back to Mumbai Indians. And till today, it’s just the added responsibility which I have got,” said Suryakumar who led India to nine wins out of 10 games after being elevated to the skipper’s role.

“We have been good friends on and off the field. When we go back to franchise cricket, it (captaincy) shifts to him so I can relax a little bit. We know what we want going forward with the team.” 

Speaking about Axar’s appointment, he said: “Axar has been given that added responsibility. We saw what he did in 2024 T20 World Cup. He has been with the team for a very long time right now.” 

With the next T20 World Cup, which will be held in India in just a year, this decision reflects the BCCI’s vision for the future. However, Suryakumar emphasised that it’s more about the collective leadership group rather than individual roles.

“But at the same time, Hardik is also a part of leading group. When we sit, we decide what we want to do in the game going forward and also on the field. He is always around. It’s like we have a lot of captains on the ground,” said Suryakumar.

No question mark over Sanju as ‘keeper

Suryakumar made it clear there is no ambiguity over the wicket-keeping role, with Sanju Samson currently holding the position and Dhruv Jurel being his backup.

He ruled out Rishabh Pant‘s inclusion in the immediate plans despite the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter emerging as the most expensive player in IPL history. 

“Currently, there is no question mark on the wicketkeeper,” Suryakumar said. “Sanju has done really well in the last 7-8, maybe 10 games he’s played, and he has truly shown what he is capable of.” 

He further spoke about his camaraderie with Gambhir and remembered playing under him at Kolkata Knight Riders for four seasons.

“I’ve had the privilege of spending a lot of time with him. I know how he works. Without saying a word, he can read your mind. His coaching style is very simple. He gives us a lot of freedom and allows players to express themselves. He keeps everything straightforward and understands what’s going on in the minds of the players.

“He ensures a light, relaxed atmosphere in the dressing room, which helps players perform at their best. We’re definitely moving in the right direction,” said the skipper.

On T20 World Cup plans, he said: “There’s still a long way to go before the World Cup. I don’t want to think about that directly. It’s about making a team. Which player can do well in which position? “Which bowler can win a match on a given day single-handedly. So, all those things. It’s about playing the same group, most amount of games,” he said.

As Team India gathered for their white-ball series opener against England, the spotlight during the intense three-hour practice session was on veteran pacer Mohammed Shami. Returning to the national set-up after a 14-month injury lay-off, Shami displayed promising signs, bowling at full tilt for over an hour. Sporting heavy strapping on his left knee, Shami began with a gradual warm-up session under the watchful eyes of bowling coach Morne Morkel. Initially running in with short strides, he bowled for nearly an hour before participating in a cautious fielding drill to test his knee.

Just as doubts arose about his full readiness, the seasoned pacer turned back the clock with a long run-up and trademark fiery spells, bowling to youngsters like Abhishek Sharma, and Tilak Varma in the nets.

Shami’s rhythm improved with each delivery, as he extracted bounce and movement, troubling the batters on multiple occasions.

However, young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel managed to take on Shami, hitting some aggressive strokes, providing the veteran with a stern test.

Despite a taxing session, Shami continued to bowl at full steam for nearly 45 minutes without requiring assistance from the team’s physiotherapist or strength and conditioning coach.

After the nets, Shami wasn’t done yet.

He moved to the adjacent length-bowling practice area where he engaged in a detailed discussion with Morkel.

The duo worked meticulously on hitting specific lengths, with Shami showcasing pinpoint accuracy by repeatedly striking the two stumps set up for the drill.

He then joined Hardik Pandya and Harshit Rana for further practice, exchanging insights during the session.

The only moment Shami appeared slightly discomforted was when he limped back to the changing room, but he quickly returned to the ground, cautiously engaging with his old Bengal teammates while carefully managing his heavily strapped left knee.

Shami was seen as a late inclusion for Team India in the five-match Test series against Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but was not picked, raking up a debate.

Shami’s inclusion in the T20I squad marks a significant moment as the team looks to bolster its pace attack ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, slated to begin on February 19 in Dubai and Pakistan.

With an injury cloud hanging over Jasprit Bumrah, Shami’s fitness is pivotal to India’s plans.

Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar has underlined the importance of Shami’s inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad annoucement in Mumbai on Saturday.

“I don’t think his fitness was anything to do with white-ball cricket anyway. We were trying to get him to Australia,” said Agarkar in the press conference while announcing the squad for the Champions Trophy 2025.

“Unfortunately, his knee didn’t allow him to play four-day or five-day cricket. With regards to white-ball, I think he has played most of the Syed Mushtaq Ali games and some of the Vijay Hazare games.

“With uncertainty around Jassi (Bumrah) as well, if he (Shami) is fit and playing regularly, the quality and the experience that he brings is invaluable.

“To get him involved in T20is is precisely because of that. To get him back into international cricket and play under pressure.

“Even though it’s T20I cricket, it will be high-intensity. He has got quality. If he was fit, he was always going to be part of the discussion. We are hoping he comes through these games and by the time the Champions Trophy comes, he is 100 percent,” Agarkar has said.

Shami has been steadily rebuilding his form through domestic cricket. Making his Ranji Trophy return last November, he guided Bengal to a season-opening victory with a match haul of seven wickets.

He then featured in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20s, claiming 11 wickets in nine games at an average of 25.36, followed by the Vijay Hazare Trophy one dayers, where he took five wickets in three matches at 25.80.

Meanwhile, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh was the only member of the 15-player squad absent from the practice session due to personal reasons. He is expected to join the team later on Saturday.

“Arshdeep will join the team tonight. The rest of the squad is here,” a team official confirmed.

On the other hand, the Jos Buttler-led England team opted for a complete rest day on Sunday. Their first practice session is scheduled for Monday. PTI TAP KHS

Former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik has expressed his surprise over the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s decision to strip Hardik Pandya as the vice-captain of the T20I team. This comes after the BCCI did not list Hardik as the designated vice-captain of the team for the upcoming five-match T20I series against England. Instead, all-rounder Axar Patel has been named as deputy to T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav. Karthik feels that the move to strip Hardik off the role makes no sense.

“I really don’t know. I don’t know why he (Hardik) was stripped of his vice-captaincy. I don’t see any reason to (strip Pandya of the vice-captaincy). (India) have done well. They have won in the bilaterals that he was the vice-captain. Not a clue,” said Karthik on Cricbuzz.

At one point, Hardik was leading the race to replace Rohit as captain of the T20I team. He even led the team on multiple occasions whenever Rohit was rested.

He won three out of four T20I series as captain, before Suryakumar’s elevation after the T20 World Cup success last year.

Meanwhile, India will play England in a five-match series, starting with the first game in Kolkata on January 22.

The second and third matches will be held on January 25 and 28 in Chennai and Rajkot, respectively. The fourth game of the series will be played on January 31 in Pune. Mumbai will host the final match of the T20I series on February 2.

Nearly 14 months after he last played an international match, veteran seamer Mohammed Shami will make his return to the side during the series.

India T20I squad: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel (vc), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammad Shami, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel (wk).

File photo of Indian cricket team.© AFP

File photo of Saqib Mahmood© AFP