The limited-overs series between India and England is set to begin on January 22. Both teams will compete in five T20s and three ODIs. The first T20 match between India and England will be played on Wednesday at Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata. Before the series started, Team India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, visited the Kalighat Temple in Kolkata and donated. Kalighat Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kali, is very famous, and devotees travel from far and wide to visit it. A large number of devotees visit the temple every day. However, This is not Gambhir’s first visit to the temple.

In a video shared by PTI, coach Gautam Gambhir is seen praying at the Kalighat Temple. After his prayers, he is given a scarf as a blessing. Later, Gambhir turns to the donation box, takes out money, and puts it in the box.

India Prepares for White-Ball Matches After Australia Loss

After losing the five-match Test series against Australia by 1-3, the Indian team is now focusing on the white-ball matches. The India vs England series will end on February 12. After that, India will take part in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, starting on February 19.

Pressure Mounts on Gambhir Before Champions Trophy

Since Gambhir (Gautam Gambhir) became head coach in July 2024, India’s performance has not been good. The team has lost six out of 10 Test matches and also lost an ODI series in Sri Lanka. Gambhir’s position as head coach is now under question. A BCCI source said Gambhir’s future depends on how the team performs in the Champions Trophy. The source added, “His contract is till the 2027 World Cup, but reviews will continue. Results matter, and so far, Gambhir has not given strong performances.”

England Announces Playing XI for First T20I Against India

England’s white-ball captain, Jos Buttler, will play as a specialist batsman in the upcoming series against India. Harry Brook has been appointed as the vice-captain of the team. The lineup is a mix of young and experienced players, setting up an exciting match.

Unavailable Players for the First Match

England’s team for the first T20I does not include Jamie Smith, Brydon Carse, Saqib Mahmood, or Rehan Ahmed. However, England’s head coach, Brendon McCullum, has stated that all the players will get a chance to play during the series.

England’s Playing XI for the First T20I Match

Phil Salt (wicketkeeper), Ben Duckett, Jos Buttler (captain), Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Overton, Gash Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.