England Sweep T20I Series 4-0; India Lose World No.1 Ranking
India suffered a 56-run defeat against England in the fourth T20 International in Manchester on Saturday, resulting in a 4-0 series loss. The defeat also ended India's four-year reign as the world's top-ranked T20I team, with England taking the No.1 spot.
Under new captain Shreyas Iyer, India have now lost all four matches in the series, with one match abandoned due to rain. This follows two successive losses in the T20I series against Ireland, leaving India winless under Iyer's captaincy.
India's troubles began before the toss, as the team bus was delayed in heavy traffic near the stadium. Iyer won his seventh consecutive toss and chose to bowl first. He also announced a change in the playing XI, bringing in Sanju Samson for the 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who scored only 42 runs in three matches of the series.
England set a formidable target, riding on aggressive batting in the middle overs. India's chase never gained momentum, with regular wickets falling. The final margin of 56 runs reflected India's struggles with both bat and ball throughout the series.
The series loss marks a significant dip in India's T20I form, which had seen them dominate the format for years. England, on the other hand, have shown consistency and depth, earning them the top ranking.
India will look to avoid a whitewash in the final match of the series, scheduled to be played at Southampton.
