India posted another T20I series victory in England, beating the hosts 2-1. Here is Wisden’s combined XI based on performances in the series.
Rohit Sharma
66 runs at 22, SR: 143.47
The India skipper impressed in patches and enthralled with his stroke-play. He couldn’t quite post a fifty-plus score but his belligerent starts, coupled with how he handled his resources makes him a certainty in this side. Rohit will also captain this team.
Rishabh Pant
27 runs @ 13.5, SR: 135
Pant didn’t exactly set the world on fire during this series. But neither did Jason Roy or Jos Buttler. Both of England’s batters produced ordinary numbers and considering that Pant can keep wicket, he sneaks into this XI ahead of the English duo.
Dawid Malan
117 runs @ 39, SR: 150
Malan was one of the few bright spots in a misfiring England batting unit. He couldn’t shepherd a tricky run-chase at Southampton but powered England to their highest total of the series at Trent Bridge. After a run of low scores in T20I cricket, Malan would’ve been pleased with how this series ended for him.
Suryakumar Yadav
171 runs @ 57, SR: 201.17
Suryakumar produced one of the all-time great T20I innings at Trent Bridge, single-handedly keeping India in the hunt in pursuit of England’s 216. He played shots all round the park and highlighted that he has the game to flourish, irrespective of the conditions and the opposition.
Hardik Pandya
63 runs @ 31.5, SR: 131.25; 5 wickets @ 12.4, ER: 8.85
The all-rounder silenced plenty of critics with a virtuoso all-round display at Southampton. He notched up a half-century and picked up a four-wicket haul in that game. Pandya will act as the middle-order marauder in this side and has the ability to contribute significantly as a pacer too, having finished as India’s leading wicket-taker.
Ravindra Jadeja
53 runs @ 53, SR: 160.6; ER: 11.16
Jadeja blew hot and cold in the series but played a vital 46-run knock at Edgbaston – an innings that allowed India to post an above-par total. He leaked runs with the ball but his enterprise in the field, coupled with Liam Livingstone and Moeen Ali’s struggles, allow him to make this side.
Chris Jordan
8 wickets @ 10.87, ER: 7.25
After a tricky IPL, Jordan looked close to his best against India. He operated in the middle overs with conviction and was on hand to close out the game for England at Trent Bridge. He finished the series as the leading wicket-taker and showed that he can still contribute to England’s upcoming T20 World Cup campaign.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
4 wickets @ 6.25, ER: 4.16
Bhuvneshwar had the England batters on toast throughout the series. He had Buttler’s number in both the games he played and also caused Roy plenty of problems. The pacer didn’t bowl much at the death but he was such a menace with the new ball that his addition to this side is a no-brainer.
Yuzvendra Chahal
4 wickets @ 10.5, ER: 7
Much like Bhuvneshwar, Chahal kept the England batters on their toes. He varied his pace beautifully and even on pitches that didn’t aid spin-bowling a lot, he deceived the batters. This series was another illustration of how he remains one of the best wrist-spinners in white-ball cricket.
Reece Topley
4 wickets @ 14, ER: 7
Topley didn’t play at Edgbaston but whenever he was called upon, he did what was asked of him. He produced a magnificent three-wicket haul at Trent Bridge and only conceded 22 runs off his four overs. A series that proved he has plenty to offer to England, especially with a T20 World Cup on the horizon.
Richard Gleeson
4 wickets @ 11.5, ER: 5.75
The 34-year-old, who only made his debut at Edgbaston, didn’t look out of place on the international stage. He picked up the wickets of Pant, Rohit and Virat Kohli in his first international appearance and followed it up with the crucial wicket of Jadeja at Trent Bridge. His ability to stick to what has worked for him in domestic cricket was a refreshing sight too.