England sealed a commanding 4-0 T20I series victory over India with a 56-run win in the fifth and final match. Chasing a daunting 258-run target, India were restricted to 201/8 in their 20 overs as England climbed to the top of the ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings.
Ishan Kishan top-scored with 56 runs, while Tilak Varma contributed 53. Captain Shreyas Iyer made 28, Sanju Samson scored 27, and Shivam Dube added 14. Axar Patel and Abhishek Sharma were both dismissed for 3 runs.
For England, Sam Curran claimed three wickets, while Adil Rashid took two. Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, and Josh Tongue picked up one wicket each. Earlier, after being asked to bat first by India, England posted a formidable 257 for 3 in their 20 overs.
Jos Buttler starred with a sensational 131 off 64 balls, while captain Harry Brook remained unbeaten on 95. Will Jacks scored 7, while Phil Salt was dismissed for 6 and Jacob Bethell for a duck. For India, Shivam Dube took two wickets, while Prasidh Krishna claimed one.
India’s recent run of defeats against South Africa, Ireland and England has reportedly plunged the reigning T20 champions into turmoil, with Indian media claiming major changes are on the horizon.
According to reports, a key member of head coach Gautam Gambhir’s coaching staff is likely to be removed as the BCCI prepares to review the team’s disappointing performances and overall support staff structure.
Reports suggest that the team’s dressing-room atmosphere has become increasingly tense after the string of defeats. Following the whitewash against South Africa, cracks reportedly emerged within the squad, and the environment in the dressing room has allegedly been unsettled for several months.
England’s batters dominated the Indian bowlers in the fourth T20, handing India another heavy defeat and further exposing the team’s struggles.
Indian media also claim that a key member of Gautam Gambhir’s coaching staff is expected to join an IPL franchise, while another member of the support staff is also likely to leave.
Read more: Indian cricket in turmoil after consecutive defeats, major coaching shake-up looms
