Kolkata, Jan 22 (UNI) India won the toss and chose to field first in the opening T20I against England at Eden Gardens here on Wednesday.
The big news came from the playing XI as Mohammad Shami was notably left out.
Shami's omission from the squad has raised questions, especially with the fast bowler’s pedigree in the shortest format.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav, after assessing the "sticky" conditions of the wicket, decided to bowl, anticipating a dew factor that could make batting easier later in the game.
With dimensions of 59m and 66m square and 75m straight, Eden Gardens is known for high-scoring matches, and recent trends suggest an average of 10 sixes per innings at this venue.
While the dry surface early on may favour pace, the dew could prove challenging for the bowlers as the match progresses.
India’s explosive top order, featuring Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Yadav, will be looking to capitalise on these conditions.
England, under the leadership of Jos Buttler, will rely on their own firepower with players like Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, and the pace duo of Jofra Archer and Mark Wood.
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