A Look Back Before the Action Begins
Cricket fans are excited as they count down until January 22, 2025, when India will face England in a five-match T20I series. After completing a difficult Test series against Australia, the Men in Blue will shift gears to the game’s shortest format, followed by three One-Day Internationals—a dress rehearsal for the ICC Champions Trophy. England, led by the destructive Jos Buttler, will be prepared to face India in their own backyard.
With matches set at historic sites like Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai, this series guarantees explosive fights. However, as we proceed, it’s worth recalling some memorable bowling efforts by Indian bowlers versus England in T20Is. Here are the top five spells that made English batters gasp for air.
Yuzvendra Chahal transformed a series decider into a demolition act on February 1, 2017. With England chasing 203, the leg-spinner spun a web they couldn’t escape. Chahal’s remarkable stats of 6 for 25 secured a 75-run victory for India and cemented his place in history as India’s best-ever T20I bowler.
England’s valiant chase collapsed in just 19 balls, with Chahal taking six wickets, including crucial players Joe Root and Eoin Morgan. India won the series 2-1, and Chahal received the Player of the Match and Series awards.
On July 3, 2018, in the blazing Manchester heat, Kuldeep Yadav produced an incredible 5 for 24. His left-arm wrist spin left England’s heavy-hitting side baffled, with batters unable to decipher his wrong’uns.
Based on Jos Buttler’s 69, the England innings disintegrated against Kuldeep’s brilliance, leaving India with a modest target of 160. KL Rahul’s century helped India cruise home with eight wickets and 10 balls to spare, but Kuldeep’s spectacular performance created the groundwork for the triumph.
Harbhajan Singh showed why he was missed in his comeback encounter for India in more than a year. Harbhajan’s 4 for 12 spell on September 23, 2012, destroyed England in the ICC World T20.
Defending 170, Harbhajan bowled two maidens in four overs, a rare in T20 cricket, and demolished England’s middle order. The defending World T20 champions crumpled for 80 runs, gifting India a thumping 90-run victory. This effort was more than simply a win; it was a message.
Hardik Pandya dominated the Ageas Bowl on July 7, 2022. His furious 51 from 33 balls propelled India to 198, and his 4 for 33 with the ball secured a 50-run triumph.
Hardik took important wickets, including Buttler and Jason Roy, stalling England’s pursuit before it got momentum. The all-rounder’s spell served as a timely reminder of his game-changing ability with the bat and ball.
A day after Kuldeep’s heroics, Hardik Pandya demonstrated his variety in the third T20I on July 8, 2018. He took 4 for 38 at the death on Bristol’s tiny straight boundaries, limiting England to 198 runs.
Inspired by a century by Rohit Sharma, India’s chase appeared simple, but Hardik’s bowling performance was essential in securing the series victory.
