India vs England 2nd T20I: India and England are set to renew their rivalry in the second T20I of the five-match series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday, January 25, 2025. After a dominant seven-wicket win in the opening match at Eden Gardens, the hosts will be eager to extend their lead and tighten their grip on the series. On the other hand, England, who struggled with both bat and ball in Kolkata, will be desperate to bounce back and level the series. With the T20 World Cup looming, both teams will look to fine-tune their combinations and address key concerns in this crucial encounter.
IND vs ENG 2nd T20I: Pitch report
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The Chepauk surface has traditionally favoured spinners, with its slow nature making stroke play a challenge. However, recent IPL matches have showcased batting-friendly tracks, suggesting the possibility of a high-scoring encounter if a fresh surface is prepared. India’s spin trio of Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, and Ravi Bishnoi could enjoy the conditions, while England will look to experienced campaigners like Adil Rashid and Liam Livingstone to turn the tide in their favour.
IND vs ENG 2nd T20I: Weather report
Fans can expect ideal cricketing conditions in Chennai, with no rain forecast for Saturday. Humidity levels will be high, with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 29°C. The relatively cooler weather, compared to Chennai’s usual sweltering heat, should provide some relief to the players.
Also Read – India vs England 2nd T20I Live streaming: When and where to watch IND vs ENG match at Chepauk?
Players to watch – Who needs to step up?
While India’s batting unit fired on all cylinders in the first T20I, questions remain over the form of skipper Suryakumar Yadav. The dynamic batter has struggled to find consistency, managing just two fifties in his last 11 innings since the T20 World Cup final. After a disappointing three-ball duck in Kolkata, he will be keen to return to form and lead from the front.
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For England, their experienced core—Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone, and Ben Duckett—must fire if they are to challenge India. The visitors struggled against India’s disciplined bowling attack in the first T20I, and their middle order will need to step up to avoid another collapse.
The fitness of veteran pacer Mohammed Shami remains a talking point for India. Having been active in the nets, his inclusion will depend on a final assessment by the team management. If fit, he could replace Nitish Kumar Reddy in the playing XI.
England, on the other hand, may consider strengthening their spin attack by bringing in young leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed, who could be a game-changer on a turning track. Additionally, they have included wicketkeeper Jamie Smith as cover for Jacob Bethell, who is under the weather.
India vs England 2nd T20I: Probable playing XIs
India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami/Nitish Kumar Reddy, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi.
England: Phil Salt (WK), Ben Duckett, Jos Buttler (C), Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell/Jamie Smith, Jamie Overton, Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.
With both teams eyeing crucial points in the series, the stage is set for an exciting showdown at Chepauk. Will India continue their winning momentum, or can England mount a strong comeback? All eyes will be on Chennai this Saturday.
