Twitter Reactions: Abhishek Sharma, Varun Chakravarthy shine as India crush England by 7 wickets in Kolkata T20I
In a dominant exhibition at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India defeated England with 7 wickets from 43 balls to spare in the opening T20I of the five-match series. Opting to bat first, India restricted England to a modest 132, thanks to a disciplined bowling performance led by Varun Chakravarthy and Arshdeep Singh. in response, Abhishek Sharma‘s blistering 79 off 34 balls secured India chased down the target in just 12.5 overs. This convincing 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 after the removal of Arshdeep Phil Salt and Ben Duckett in quick succession. The highlight of the innings was Chakravarthy’s mesmerizing bowling. He took 3 wickets for 23 runs, including crucial scalps Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone in the same over. Chakravarthy’s trickery and precision left England’s middle order in shambles as they struggled to build momentum after a steady start from Jos Buttlerwho top scored with 68 off 44 balls and eventually fell to Varun. Lower-order England offered little resistance, being bowled out for just 132.
Abhishek Sharma’s explosive knock against England
India’s chase got off to an even start but Abhishek turned it into a one-man show. Opening next to Sanju SamsonSharma 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, i Tilak Varma ensured there was no problem with an unbeaten 19, it was Abhishek’s fearless approach against England’s pacers, especially Jofra Archer and Mark Woodwhich defined the changes. His clean shots were a treat for the crowd and he was rightly named man 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
The Indian bowling unit executed their plans to perfection. Arshdeep’s early discoveries and Hardik PandyaCrucial shots in the middle of the over ensured that England never got the momentum they needed. Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi kept everything tight and Patel also took 2 wickets. Fielding effort, including running out Samson for a layoff Mark Woodhe completed the efforts of the bowlers. Overall, India’s all-round performance showed their readiness for the series, leaving England plenty to think about ahead of the second T20I.
Here’s how Twitter responded:
Abhishek Sharma doesn’t care about pace. The faster it comes, the further it goes. Amazing talent. He reminds me of his mentor Yuvraj Singh.
— M (@angrypakistan) January 22, 2025
The best format in India is T20 .. they have amazing group of players .. #INDvsENG
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 22, 2025
Indian spinners were magnificent today and I loved how Suryakumar Yadav used them. He was happy to give his leadoff hitter three in the top. And his infielders supported the pitchers so well. England’s old weakness against spin was put to good use.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 22, 2025
Top shot by Abhi Sharma.. great way to answer when it comes to your place!! I like the character the young guys are showing!! 💪🏾
— Robbie Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) January 22, 2025
I can’t imagine a T20 side without Abhishek Sharma, he is so, so good. On the other hand, I would like to see him grow into a Test cricketer. His first-class average may not stand out, but I’m sure the numbers will improve in the coming seasons. #INDvENG
— Amartya Sinha (@theamartyasinha) January 22, 2025
In Test cricket, you need batsmen who will put a price on their wicket. In T20 cricket, you’d normally prefer batsmen who don’t put a price on their wicket, as Abhishek showed again today.#INDvENG
— Hemant (@hemantbuch) January 22, 2025
India coast home by 7 wickets in just 12.5 overs, thanks to Abhishek Sharma’s brilliant 79 off just 34 #INDvENG
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) January 22, 2025
India’s T20I side is entertaining. Just watch for fun. Have fun. Go home.
— Silly point (@FarziCricketer) January 22, 2025
Well played kid. The best shot so far in his short career. A lot of it comes from Abhishek.
— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) January 22, 2025
I love this from New India! Cricket without fear. No fascination for individuals from the 50s etc.
Selfless cricketer always dangerous cricketer in T20.👏👏👏 #INDvENGonJioStar— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) January 22, 2025
Sensational knocking by Abhishek Sharma 😊#cricket #INDvENG #T20I #AbhishekSharma pic.twitter.com/BraKTJcpyk
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 22, 2025
𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 _____. 😉#INDvENG #PunjabKings pic.twitter.com/Pj4x1RXp5z
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) January 22, 2025
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