Shreyas Iyer’s start as India’s T20I captain has not gone to plan, with the Men in Blue slipping to a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Ireland. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate admitted that “disbelief” was the immediate reaction after watching India struggle to adapt to the conditions in Belfast. With the five-match T20I series against England now beginning, India have a chance to respond, but the challenge will be far greater.

India’s batting unit failed to fire across both matches against Ireland. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma were dismissed for golden ducks in the second game, while Ishan Kishan and Iyer also failed to make a meaningful impact. The early wickets left the middle order under pressure far too soon, and India were never able to recover. There were, however, a few positives with the ball. Debutant Prince Yadav impressed immediately, Harshit Rana looked sharp on his return after a long injury layoff, and Arshdeep Singh also bowled with control.

Ten Doeschate later suggested that India may have leaned too heavily on their usual high-tempo style and found it difficult to adjust when the conditions asked for a different approach. Against England, that tactical flexibility will be just as important as finding form with the bat.

WATCH – Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Impresses In India’s Net Session Before England Opener

England, meanwhile, return to T20I action for the first time since their seven-run semi-final loss to India at the T20 World Cup. Jacob Bethell’s brilliant century in that match went in vain, but England have otherwise enjoyed a strong year in the format, winning nine of their 11 T20Is. The core of Harry Brook, Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Adil Rashid and Jofra Archer gives them a settled and dangerous look.

There is also excitement around 21-year-old Sussex all-rounder James Coles, who adds another fresh option to the squad. England will believe they can begin this series strongly, but India will be desperate to reset after a poor tour of Ireland. At the Riverside Ground, batting has not always been easy. Rain is also in the forecast, which could make the opening clash even trickier.

England

England have named a 17-member squad for the opening T20I against India, with the series starting just two days after the conclusion of the Trent Bridge Test. As has become their tradition, the hosts confirmed their playing XI a day before the match. Fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue, who featured in the third Test against New Zealand, have been rested, while Saqib Mahmood returns to strengthen the pace attack.

Playing XI: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Harry Brook (c), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood, Saqib Mahmood

India

All eyes remain on 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Despite growing calls for his debut following the disappointing series defeat to Ireland, the team management is expected to continue with its established top-order combination. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has already indicated that India are willing to give the current batters a longer run.

Meanwhile, mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has rejoined the squad after recovering from the foot injury he sustained during IPL 2026. If declared fully fit, he could replace Suryansh Shedge, who made his T20I debut against Ireland but was unable to make a significant impact.

Probable XI: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy