India vs England 2021: Rohit Sharma rested for first two T20Is by India

India vs England 2021: Rohit Sharma rested for first two T20Is by India

Indian vice-captain Rohit Sharma has been rested for the first couple of games of the T20I series by India meaning he won’t take the field today for the first T20I against England. With the test series having concluded with a win for the hosts, the focus will now shift to the five T20Is which are all set to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad over the course of the next 10 days. The series will act as the perfect appetizer for a dose of T20 cricket that is set to come the fans’ way.

The series will especially be crucial for both teams in identifying their best team combinations and strengths ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup which is set to take place in India later this year. The series can thus, be termed as a dress rehearsal for the big event. India will be favorites to win the series but only marginally so because of the fact that England are the number 1 T20I side in the world.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar returns; no debutants

Bhuvneshwar Kumar

England have won the toss and chosen to field first and while their team selection is not in for much debate, India have raised a few eyebrows with their selection by handing a rest to Rohit Sharma. Meanwhile, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been selected meaning he will make his much awaited return to the national team after a long gap. India have also gone with three spinners for the game in Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar.

Further, players who had received their maiden call-ups to the national team like Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan and Rahul Tewatia will have to wait for their chances as they haven’t been selected for the first T20I.

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