Tue Jan 21 02:20:00 UTC 2025: ## India to Experiment as They Begin T20 World Cup Rebuild Against England

**NEW DELHI** – World champions India will host England in a five-match T20I series starting [Insert Start Date], marking the beginning of their rebuilding process for the 2026 T20 World Cup. The series also serves as preparation for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

India, riding a winning streak in the T20 format since August 2023, will adopt a flexible approach, according to vice-captain Axar Patel. The team plans to experiment with a fluid batting order, with positions three through seven open to various players depending on match conditions and bowler matchups.

“The openers are fixed, but everyone from numbers three to seven are floaters,” Patel stated. He emphasized the importance of carrying their winning momentum into the next World Cup, while also acknowledging the need to build on past successes.

England, meanwhile, arrives with a less consistent recent record in T20Is, having exited the last World Cup in the semi-finals. They are looking to new talent like Jacob Bethell and Jamie Smith to bolster their batting. The series marks their first limited-overs tour under Brendon McCullum, who aims to deliver an exciting and watchable brand of cricket. McCullum also lauded Jos Buttler, who will bat but not keep wicket on this tour, for his legacy as England’s white-ball captain.

The rivalry between India and England in T20Is is closely contested, with India holding a slight edge at 13 wins out of 24 matches. India enters the series on a high after recent victories against South Africa and Bangladesh. England, while victorious in their last bilateral T20 series against the West Indies, suffered a heavy defeat in the semifinals of the last World Cup.

The series features several key players, including India’s Sanju Samson, who has cemented his place in the team, and the returning Mohammad Shami and Washington Sundar. England will aim to give opportunities to Bethell, Brydon Carse, and Jamie Smith. Al Jazeera will provide comprehensive coverage of the series. Tickets are available online.

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