India and England’s ongoing T20I rivalry intensified with a dramatic 26-run victory for England in the 3rd T20I at Rajkot on January 28, 2025. The series now stands at 2-1 in India’s favor as both teams prepare for a pivotal 4th T20I clash at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium on January 31, 2025[2]. Here’s a breakdown of recent performances, tactical changes, and what to expect next.
3rd T20I Recap: England Fights Back
In a low-scoring thriller, England defended 145/9 despite India posting 171/9, clinching a 26-run win. Key highlights:
- England’s Bowling Dominance: Spinners and pacers combined to restrict India’s chase, with standout performances from returning players like Saqib Mahmood (3/28).
- India’s Batting Struggles: Middle-order collapses, including Sanju Samson’s dismissal by Jofra Archer for 14, highlighted vulnerabilities.
- Series Context: This win kept England alive in the five-match series, shifting momentum ahead of the 4th T20I.
4th T20I Preview: Tactical Reshuffles
India’s Key Changes:
- Rinku Singh Returns: Replaces Dhruv Jurel (back spasms) to bolster the middle order.
- Arshdeep Singh In: Takes Mohammed Shami’s spot after Shami’s underwhelming performance.
- Shivam Dube’s Firepower: Replaces Washington Sundar, adding batting depth.
England’s Adjustments:
- Jacob Bethell Debuts: Replaces Jamie Smith, injecting fresh energy into the top order.
- Saqib Mahmood’s Comeback: His pace and variations could trouble India’s batters on a dry pitch.
Players to Watch
| Player | Role | Recent Form |
|---|---|---|
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | Opener (IND) | 209 in 2nd Test (2024), T20I explosive starts |
| Ben Duckett | Batter (ENG) | 153 in 3rd Test (2024), aggressive T20 striker |
| Ravindra Jadeja | All-rounder (IND) | 5/41 in 3rd Test, economical T20 spells |
| Jofra Archer | Pacer (ENG) | Consistent dismissals of key Indian batters |
Pitch and Conditions
The Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium’s surface averages 166 runs in T20Is, favoring bowlers early with spin coming into play later. Captains Suryakumar Yadav (IND) and Jos Buttler (ENG) emphasized adapting to the dry track, with Yadav stating, “We need firepower to counter their pace attack”.
Series Context and Historical Rivalry
- Test Series Legacy: England last won a Test series in India in 2012–13, while India’s 2024 Test victory (3–1) showcased young stars like Dhruv Jurel.
- T20I Dynamics: India leads the current series but faces pressure to avoid a repeat of England’s 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final win.
Key Factors for the 4th T20I
- Middle-Order Stability: Rinku Singh’s return could anchor India’s innings during crunch phases.
- Spin vs Pace Battle: England’s Adil Rashid (3/42 in ODIs) vs India’s Varun Chakravarthy (recent 4-wicket haul).
- Powerplay Exploitation: Openers Phil Salt (ENG) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (IND) will set the tone.
Conclusion
The 4th T20I promises high stakes, with India aiming to seal the series and England fighting to level it. Tactical gambles, pitch adaptability, and individual brilliance will decide whether India’s reshuffled lineup or England’s resurgent attack prevails. With both teams eyeing ICC T20 World Cup preparations, this clash offers a critical litmus test.