India host world champions England in a five-match T20 series as they begin preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup with an eye on the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

India’s winning streak in the shortest format of the game has seen them seal every bilateral T20 series since August 2023 and skipper Suryakumar Yadav will look to build on the success of his new-look side before they host the T20 World Cup in February 2026.

The hosts have hinted at a “flexible” approach in the upcoming series, with newly appointed vice-captain Axar Patel saying his side would be open to the idea of ​​experimenting with a floating batting line-up.

“The openings have been fixed, but everyone from numbers three to seven has been told they can come in at any time and in any situation,” Patel said in his pre-series comments on Monday.

“Our middle order to bat will come down to the match situation, the type of bowlers at the time, and which match is working well. We have talked about how we can all be floaters.”

Patel said India is aware of the short gap between the two T20 World Cups and wants to take its winning streak to the next edition.

“Momentum is a big thing because if you start well, you can carry it. We finished 2024 well, so we want to continue the momentum in this series as well.

But we argued that the past is past; However, we want to move forward with the positives we gained from there. “We made the points that brought us success.”

Meanwhile, England’s form has declined in the T20 format since their appearance in the semi-finals of the last World Cup in June.

Jos Buttler’s side will hope that the presence of young spinner Jacob Bethell, as well as wicketkeeper-batsman Jimmy Smith, will provide an extra punch to their batting line-up.

The series marks the first limited-overs tour of England under Brendon McCullum, who was previously in charge of the Test side only.

“I’m desperate for us to play some really watchable cricket,” McCullum told reporters. “With the talent we have, there’s no reason why we can’t.”

McCullum said Buttler, who will play only as a batsman and will not keep wickets on the tour, will leave a lasting legacy as England’s white-ball captain.

“He’s in a really good place, excited about the team we have, excited about the opportunity we have in front of us,” the former New Zealand captain said.

Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming T20 series:

What is the full match schedule for India vs England T20 series?

• First T20: Wednesday 22 January at 7pm (13:30 GMT) – Eden Gardens, Kolkata
• Second T20: Saturday 25 January at 7pm (13:30 GMT) – MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
• Third T20: Tuesday 28 January at 7pm (13:30 GMT) – SCA Stadium, Rajkot
• Fourth T20: Friday 31 January at 7pm (13:30 GMT) – Mouloudia Algiers Stadium, Pune
• V T20: Sunday 2 February at 7pm (13:30 GMT) – Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

India vs England: T20 head-to-head record

India’s first T20 international came against England in the inaugural T20 World Cup, in 2007, when power-hitter Yuvraj Singh sent Stuart Broad for six sixes in an over.

The contests between the two sides have been close, with India winning 13 of their 24 matches in the shortest format, including the last match in the semi-final of the 2024 T20 World Cup in Guyana.

England beat India in the remaining 11 T20 matches.

Model Guide: India

The world champions enter this series after their victory over South Africa 3-1 away from home, then their victory over Bangladesh 3-0 at home. India have not lost a T20 series since August 2023.

Last five matches (Latest result first): WWLWW

Form guide: England

England won their last bilateral T20 series, against the West Indies, but ended the T20 World Cup with a crushing semi-final loss to the eventual champions.

England’s last T20 win over India came in the T20 World Cup in 2022 and Buttler’s side will be looking to emulate their winning form that saw them clinch the title in Australia.

Last five matches: WWWL-NR (no result found)

Team News: India

Wicket-keeper and opening batsman Sanju Samson has cemented his place in the Indian T20 squad after his strong performance during the series against South Africa.

This series will see the return of veteran bowler Mohammed Shami after a long absence due to injury, while spinner Washington Sundar will also return after the Test tour in Australia.

a team: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Sanju Samson (goalkeeper), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, Dhruv. Gurriel (goalkeeper)

Team news: England

England’s T20 side has been flat over the past few series, but the two-time champions will look to give the likes of Bethell, Brydon Carse and Jamie Smith an extended run ahead of the ODI and Champions Trophy series.

a team: Jos Buttler (captain), Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Phil Salt (wicket-keeper), Jimmy Smith (wicket-keeper), Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Liam Livingstone, Jimmy Overton, Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Jos Atkinson, Saqib Mahmood, Adel Rashid, Mark Wood.

How to follow and stream India vs England?

Al Jazeera will provide full photo and text coverage of the T20 series, including pre-match build-up, full commentary and post-match talking points.

How can I buy tickets for India vs England T20 matches?

Tickets for the series are being sold on many online platforms.