The Indian cricket team is gearing up for a five-match T20 International series against England, set to begin on January 22 on home soil. With ICC Champions Trophy 2025 fast approaching, India vs England T20I series serves as a crucial platform for selectors to assess key players, including star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who has been a standout performer in limited-overs cricket over the past year.
Hardik Pandya's shot at a historic milestone
Premier all-rounder Hardik Pandya has a chance to achieve a mega milestone in IND vs ENG T20I series. With 14 wickets against England in T20 Internationals, he is just three wickets away from surpassing Yuzvendra Chahal's record of 16, the most by any Indian bowler against England in T20Is.
Chahal achieved this in 11 matches at an average of 21.12. If Pandya manages to take three wickets during IND vs ENG T20I series, he will claim the top spot.
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IND vs ENG T20Is: Axar Patel steps in as India vice-captain
For India vs England T20I series, spinner Axar Patel has been named vice-captain, taking over from Pandya. This decision highlights a reshuffling in leadership roles as Team India prepares for ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Pandya, who was a strong contender to lead India's T20 side after Rohit Sharma's retirement in June 2024, was yet again overlooked for the captaincy. He also lost the vice-captaincy to Shubman Gill during the Sri Lanka series in July 2024, with Axar now filling the role for England series.
Hardik Pandya's impressive T20I stats
Hardik Pandya has been a consistent performer for India in T20Is. In 109 matches, he has scored 1,700 runs at an average of 27.87, including four half-centuries. With the ball, he has taken 89 wickets at an average of 26.63 and maintained an economy rate of 8.18.