Last Updated:
Chepauk is all set to host its first T20I in seven years so the exact nature of the pitch is anybody’s guess.
Varun Chakaravarthy will aim to add to his wickets tally at his home ground.
Spinners are expected to dominate the second T20I match between India and England, slated to be held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Bengaluru.
All eyes will be on Varun Chakravarthy who was India’s highest wicket-taker in the campaign opener in Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. The spinner wrapped up with a three-wicket haul while conceding only 23 runs in four overs.
Vice-captain Axar Patel also made a crucial contribution with the ball. The spin-bowling all-rounder scythed through the English lower order, taking the wickets of Jamie Overton and Gus Atkinson.
Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh enjoyed a good outing as well. The duo claimed two wickets each and restricted the visitors to 133 runs.
Visiting skipper Jos Buttler emerged as the lone warrior for England. The right-hander struck a blazing half-century, registering 68 off 44 balls.
For India, opener Abhishek Sharma stole the show with his big-hitting prowess. The youngster scored 79 and helped the Men in Blue to chase down the target in 12.5 overs.
Chennai Weather Forecast:
Rain is unlikely to cause any hindrance during the second T20I between India and England, to be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
The weather in Chennai may remain partly cloudy on January 25, with a maximum temperature of 29 degrees Celsius, and the minimum temperature dropping to as low as 21 degrees Celsius.
The wind speed is expected to be around 13-17 kmph at Chapeuk during the 20-over clash. The humidity will be around 70-83 percent.
MA Chidambaram Stadium Pitch Report:
This is the first T20I at this stadium since 2018 so the exact nature of the pitch is difficult to determine. However, the wicket at Chepuak has a reputation for assisting the spin bowlers.
The pitch is generally abrasive and aids reverse swing sometimes in longer formats, but that’s unlikely to be seen in a T20I. However, in the last IPL season here in 2024, the pitches offered more than usual help for pacers.
Dew is unlikely to affect the pitch in the second innings so the team winning the toss is expected to bat first. The average first-innings T20I total at this venue is 174. The chasing unit has won one T20I match in Chennai.
