After England T20I Win, Hardik Pandya’s Key ‘Responsibility’ Revealed
Captain Suryakumar Yadav expressed his desire for the Indian T20I team to play “a bit differently” following their impressive start to 2025, as they faced England in the first T20I at Eden Gardens. India opted to bowl first after winning the toss, and their strategy paid off as they restricted England to just 132 runs. Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya took on the new ball responsibilities in Mohammed Shami’s absence, while Varun Chakravarthy’s mystery spin proved crucial, earning him three wickets.
Suryakumar praised the energy in the dressing room post-toss, stating, “The energy after we won the toss set the benchmark.” He highlighted the execution of plans by the bowlers and noted that their batting was “icing on the cake.”
In response, India’s batting lineup, led by Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 79 off 34 balls, chased down the target comfortably. Despite a brief setback with Suryakumar’s duck, the team showcased their aggressive approach, reminiscent of ‘Bazball’ but dubbed ‘Gamball’ by fans.
The match not only marked a strong start for India but also emphasized their focus on improved fielding, a key area they have been working on diligently. As they prepare for upcoming challenges, Suryakumar’s leadership and the team’s performance signal a promising year ahead.