• India registered a comfortable seven wicket victory over England in the 1st T20I in Kolkata.

  • Abhishek Sharma’s blistering 79 off 34 balls ensured India chased down the target in just 12.5 overs

Twitter reactions: Abhishek Sharma, Varun Chakravarthy shine as India crush England by 7 wickets in the Kolkata T20I
India (Image Source: X)

Table of Contents

In a dominant display at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India defeated England by 7 wickets with 43 balls to spare in the opening T20I of the five-match series. Opting to field first, India restricted England to a modest 132, thanks to a disciplined bowling performance led by Varun Chakravarthy and Arshdeep Singh. In reply, Abhishek Sharma’s blistering 79 off 34 balls ensured India chased down the target in just 12.5 overs. This emphatic win gives India an early lead in the series and highlights their all-round strength.

Varun Chakravarthy’s magic with the ball

India’s decision to field first paid dividends early as Arshdeep removed Phil Salt and Ben Duckett in quick succession. The highlight of the innings was Chakravarthy’s spellbinding bowling. He picked up 3 wickets for 23 runs, including the key scalps of Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone in the same over. Chakravarthy’s guile and precision left England’s middle order in shambles, as they struggled to accelerate after a steady start by Jos Buttler, who top-scored with 68 off 44 balls and eventually fell to Varun. England’s lower order offered little resistance, folding for a mere 132.

Abhishek Sharma’s explosive knock against England

India’s chase began on a steady note, but Abhishek turned it into a one-man show. Opening alongside Sanju Samson, Sharma smashed 79 runs off just 34 deliveries, including 5 fours and 8 towering sixes. His 20-ball half-century set the tone for a quick finish. While Samson contributed 26 at the top, and Tilak Varma ensured there were no hiccups with an unbeaten 19, it was Abhishek’s fearless approach against the England pacers, particularly Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, that defined the innings. His clean striking was a treat for the crowd, and he was rightly named Player of the Match.

Also WATCH: Varun Chakravarthy stuns England by removing Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone in the same over | IND vs ENG 2025, 1st T20I

Clinical bowling and fielding highlight India’s dominance in Kolkata

India’s bowling unit executed their plans to perfection. Arshdeep’s early breakthroughs and Hardik Pandya’s crucial strikes in the middle overs ensured England never got the momentum they needed. Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi kept things tight, with Patel also picking up 2 wickets. The fielding effort, including a run-out by Samson to dismiss Mark Wood, complemented the bowlers’ efforts. Overall, India’s all-round performance showcased their readiness for the series, leaving England with much to ponder before the second T20I.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Also READ: IND vs ENG 2025: Arshdeep Singh shatters Yuzvendra Chahal’s bowling record in the first T20I

Subscribe to Cricket Times on YouTube to watch Exclusive Interviews, Podcasts, Daily News Updates & Explainers.

TAGS:

CATEGORY: Abhishek Sharma Featured India T20 Twitter Reactions Varun Chakravarthy

For latest cricket news and updates, subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter.

About the Author:
AMAR PAL SINGH BHALLA
Amar is a sports enthusiast and a talented writer who has found the perfect career that combines his two passions. As a valuable member of Cricket Times, Amar brings his passion for cricket and his talent for writing to the fore, providing readers with insightful and engaging content. Cricket lives rent-free in his mind. A person who views cricket as a metaphor for life. You can connect with Amar at amar.bhalla@crickettimes.com and also follow him on LinkedIn.