IND vs ENG: As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the first T20I between India and England on January 22, 2025, at Eden Gardens, fans are excited to see how the bowlers will perform in this high-stakes encounter.
With both teams boasting a mix of experienced campaigners and young talents, the bowling attack will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the match.
Here are three bowlers to watch closely as they look to set the field ablaze in IND vs ENG.

Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami has been a vital part of India’s bowling lineup, known for his ability to take wickets at crucial moments.
Shami last played his international game on November 19, 2023, but his impact in the ODI World Cup 2023 was undeniable.
Despite missing four matches due to injury, he emerged as India’s leading wicket-taker in the tournament, claiming an impressive 24 wickets.
His standout performance came in the semifinal against New Zealand, where he delivered a sensational spell, taking 7 wickets for just 57 runs.
Shami’s ability to swing the ball both ways makes him a formidable opponent for any batting lineup.
As India faces England in the first T20I, Shami’s experience and skill will be essential. His knack for picking up early wickets can set the tone for the match, putting pressure on the opposition.
Fans will be eager to see if Shami can replicate his World Cup form and lead the Indian bowling attack effectively in the T20 format.
Shami’s strategic approach to bowling, often targeting the stumps and exploiting the weaknesses of opposing batsmen, has earned him accolades from cricketing experts.
His ability to maintain pressure on the batsmen will be crucial for India’s success in the T20I series against England.
With the conditions at Eden Gardens often favoring fast bowlers, Shami’s skills will be put to the test as he aims to deliver a match-winning performance.
Jofra Archer
Jofra Archer is another player who has consistently captured the attention of cricket fans around the globe. Known for his express pace and ability to bowl in the death overs, Archer has become a key figure in England’s bowling lineup.
His T20 International statistics are impressive, with 29 matches under his belt, where he has taken 35 wickets at an average of 22.74 and an economy rate of 7.53.
Archer’s best bowling figures in T20Is stand at 4 wickets for 33 runs, showcasing his ability to change the course of a match with his explosive bowling.
As he returns to international cricket, fans will be watching closely to see how Archer performs against a strong Indian batting lineup.
His skill set makes him a dangerous weapon for England, and his performance could be pivotal in determining the outcome of the series.
The combination of Archer’s pace and accuracy, along with his experience in high-pressure situations, positions him as a key player for England.
His ability to bowl yorkers and variations in pace adds depth to England’s bowling attack, making him a player to watch in the first T20I.
As the match unfolds, Archer’s ability to strike early and contain runs in the death overs will be crucial for England’s chances of success.
Varun Chakravarthy
Varun Chakravarthy has established himself as one of the premier spinners in T20 cricket. Known for his ability to deceive batsmen with his variations and flight, Chakravarthy has been a key player for India in the limited-overs format.
His T20I record is impressive, having played 13 matches and taken 19 wickets at an average of 18.05 and an economy rate of 6.79.
His best bowling figures of 5 wickets for 17 runs highlight his potential to turn matches around with his clever bowling.
As the first T20I against England approaches, fans will be keen to see how Chakravarthy adapts his bowling to counter the aggressive English batting lineup.
His ability to pick up crucial wickets in the middle overs can be a game-changer for India. In T20 cricket, spinners often play a vital role, especially during the middle overs when batsmen look to accelerate their scoring.
Chakravarthy’s experience in the IPL has showcased his skill in taking wickets and maintaining pressure on the batting side.
His performances in the series will be crucial in determining India’s success, especially in the context of England’s batting strategy.
If Chakravarthy can find his rhythm early on, he has the potential to disrupt the flow of runs and claim key wickets.
In Summary
As India prepares to take on England in the first T20I, all eyes will be on Mohammed Shami, Jofra Archer, and Varun Chakravarthy.
Each bowler brings a unique skill set and a wealth of experience that could significantly influence the outcome of the match.
Fans are eagerly anticipating their performances, hoping for thrilling displays of bowling that will add to the excitement of this highly competitive series.
The clash between India and England promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams vying for supremacy on the cricketing stage.
With Shami’s wicket-taking ability, Jofra Archer‘s express pace, and Chakravarthy’s spin wizardry, these bowlers are sure to be at the forefront of the action.
As the series unfolds, the performances of these key players will be instrumental in shaping the outcome of the matches and determining which team emerges victorious.
Cricket is not just about individual performances; it is about teamwork, strategy, and the ability to rise to the occasion.
As fans gear up for this exciting series, the anticipation is palpable, and the hope is that these bowlers will deliver memorable performances that will be etched in the annals of cricketing history.
The stage is set, and the world will be watching closely as India and England clash in what promises to be a thrilling contest.