India to Face England at Home in T20, ODI Series; Three Key Players Set for a Comeback

Following their disappointing performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, the Indian cricket team is set to face England in an upcoming home series. The T20 series will commence on January 22, while the ODI series will begin on February 6. Additionally, the squad for the Champions Trophy is expected to be announced either today or tomorrow, and it is likely that the same squad will be retained for the England series. According to ICC regulations, provisional squads for the Champions Trophy must be submitted by January 12, with the option for further changes until February 13.

In this context, three players—Hardik Pandya, Shreyas Iyer, and Arshdeep Singh—who have been out of the national team for several months, are likely to make a return. All three are currently participating in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The potential inclusion of these players is seen as a key boost for the Indian team ahead of the crucial series against England.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that star pacer Jasprit Bumrah will be rested for the England series. The decision was reportedly made due to his heavy workload over the past four months, during which he played ten Test matches, including the recently concluded Melbourne Test where he bowled 53.2 overs. In total, Bumrah bowled 151.2 overs during the Australian tour. Despite being rested for the England series, Bumrah is expected to be available for the Champions Trophy, where he may even serve as the vice-captain of the team.

The selectors are likely to announce the final squad for the Champions Trophy by mid-January, with some scope for adjustments depending on the performance of key players during the England series.