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England are all set to kickstart their much-anticipated white-ball tour of India with a five-match T20I series, beginning on January 22, 2025, at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
England’s new chapter of white-ball cricket under Brendon McCullum
This series holds special significance as it will mark the beginning of a new era under Brendon McCullum, England’s recently appointed white-ball coach. McCullum, who revolutionized England’s Test side with the “Bazball” approach, is now tasked with injecting fresh energy into the team’s limited-overs strategies.
Following the T20Is, England will engage in a three-match ODI series as part of their preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be hosted in Pakistan later this year. The tour is expected to test England’s adaptability in subcontinental conditions and their ability to transition seamlessly between formats. For McCullum, this could be golden opportunity to establish his philosophy in the shorter formats, building on England’s already formidable reputation in white-ball cricket.
Also READ: IND vs ENG 2025: England’s best XI for the T20I series against India
No Jos Buttler as England’s wicketkeeper for the India T20Is
In a significant development ahead of the T20I series, McCullum revealed that Jos Buttler, England’s captain and one of the most versatile players in modern cricket, will not don the wicketkeeping gloves. That means the responsibilities will be handed over to the only other option available in the squad i.e. Phil Salt, who has impressed as a wicketkeeper-batter in recent outings. This decision stems from a combination of tactical considerations and Buttler’s physical management.
Speaking during a pre-series press conference at Eden Gardens, McCullum emphasized that this decision benefits the team in multiple ways. It reduces Buttler’s workload, enabling him to concentrate on his captaincy and batting responsibilities, while also giving Salt a consistent role to grow as a reliable gloveman. Salt’s dual capability with the bat and gloves adds balance to the team, ensuring England remains flexible in their lineup configurations.
“It’s a bit early for that conversation. Look, the thing he won’t be doing, he won’t be keeping wickets in this series. He’s going to capture them from the field and I think that’s a really positive thing for us because it gives Josh the opportunity to have the last say with the bowler and to have that relationship build at that last second rather than being 22 yards away. And we’ve got great keeping options within the side as well,” McCullum said.
“I think when it comes to the T20, I think we can expect to be near the top of the order. Working out the intricacies of that will work out over the next 48 hours before we get into it. Look, we’ve got a really good squad. We’ve got lots of flexibility within the group. We’ve got heaps of options that we can go to. It’s just trying to make sure that we’re able to piece it all together which gives us our greatest,” McCullum concluded.
