Published By: Sanchari Das

IND vs. ENG T20I: Meet THESE 4 IPL Stars Who Could Haunt England

With the iconic Eden Gardens as the battleground, expect fireworks from these players as they look to haunt England and deliver a memorable start to the series

The stage is set for a cricketing spectacle as India gears up to host England for the first T20I of their five-match series on January 22, 2025, at the legendary Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Both teams feature world-class talent, but four IPL players are potential game-changers. Here's a closer look at these stars who could trouble England.

Abhishek Sharma

Abhishek Sharma has been a revelation for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), who retained him for a hefty INR 14 crore ahead of the 2025 IPL auction. The explosive opener showcased his talent in IPL 2024, amassing 484 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 204.21. His blistering performances, backed by captain Pat Cummins' faith, cemented his role as a match-winner.

Having debuted for India against Zimbabwe with a century, Abhishek has proven his mettle on the international stage. With 256 runs in 12 T20Is at a strike rate of 171.81, he remains a dangerous player England cannot afford to underestimate.

Suryakumar Yadav

Known as the "360-degree player," Suryakumar Yadav, or SKY, continues to dominate T20 cricket. Retained by Mumbai Indians for ₹16.35 crore, he has scored 3,250 runs in 139 IPL games, including four centuries. His fearless approach and elite intent make him a nightmare for bowlers.

SKY's record against England is phenomenal, with 321 runs in seven innings at an average of 45.85. His T20I debut in 2021 against England remains unforgettable, where he smashed a six off Jofra Archer's first ball. With an average of over 40 and a strike rate exceeding 160, SKY is undoubtedly India's most reliable T20 batsman.

Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya, one of the IPL's most exciting all-rounders, has consistently delivered match-winning performances. Returning to Mumbai Indians in 2024 for ₹15 crore and retained for ₹16.35 crore, Hardik remains a cornerstone of their setup.

His T20I record speaks volumes: 1,700 runs, 89 wickets, and countless match-defining moments. Against England, he's a proven threat with 302 runs in T20Is. Whether smashing sixes at the death or bowling crucial overs, Pandya's versatility makes him a formidable opponent. His experience and skill set will be key in turning the tide in India's favour.

Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep Singh has quickly become one of India's most trusted pacers. Bought for a whopping ₹18 crore in the IPL 2025 auction, the left-arm bowler is in the form of his life. With 95 wickets in 60 T20Is, he's on the brink of becoming the fastest pacer to reach 100 T20I wickets.

Arshdeep's accuracy and ability to swing the ball make him a potent weapon in powerplays and death overs. His recent performances in South Africa, where he became India's highest T20I wicket-taker, have solidified his reputation as a game-changer. England will have their work cut out against this lethal pacer.

Varun Chakravarthy

Varun Chakravarthy's knack for picking crucial wickets makes him a standout bowler. Retained by Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹12 crore, the spinner claimed 21 wickets in IPL 2024 at an economy rate of 8.04. His deceptive variations often confuse batters, making him an asset in the shortest format.

In T20Is, Chakravarthy has taken 19 wickets in 13 matches at a remarkable economy of 6.79. His ability to choke runs in the middle overs will be crucial in restricting England's explosive batting lineup. Varun's mystery spin could be the X-factor India needs to keep England on the back foot.