India had a tough outing in Ireland, but that is behind us now. The focus shifts fully to a fresh challenge in England - five T20Is starting July 1 in Durham - led by our Sarpanch Saab.
Arshdeep paaji has a bigger job on his hands now, with Jasprit Bumrah rested for the series. English conditions tend to offer that bit of extra swing, and that should suit his game well. In the spin unit, Axar Patel brings the calm, experienced hand India will lean on through the middle overs, the same dependability we've seen from him time and again. Washington Sundar and Ravi Bishnoi will play support to Axar, while Harshit Rana could link up with Arsh up front.
On the batting front, Tilak Varma was among the runs in Ireland and would like to build on that. The opening pairing of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson carry real muscle in their batting and could provide India the positive starts they are used to. Shivam Dube gives the middle order some strength and will partner Shreyas Iyer to keep the team rock steady.
Then there's young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, still waiting for his international debut but very much part of this set-up now. Our Mini-Shreyas, Suryansh Shedge, has now completed his journey from "Dream India" to "Team India." Sadda Squad, here's to one of our own making us proud.
The five-match T20I series takes place in Durham, Manchester, Nottingham, Bristol, and Southampton, concluding on July 11.
No need for big words here. Just an Indian team that has hit reset mode, to refocus and to play exciting cricket once again under the watchful eye of Sarpanch Saab.
India Squad for T20I series in England
Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper), Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma (Vice Captain), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Suryansh Shedge, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Prasidh Krishna, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav