Following his transformative impact on the Test side, McCullum's arrival as white-ball coach has been highly anticipated, with England hoping he can revitalize a team that has lost its way in giving up two world titles in the past two years.
The New Zealander's attacking approach has drawn criticism at times. However, this was the result of England's oldest weakness, rather than any tactical error.
While left-arm seamer Arshdeep scored a brace early, it was the spin that led to their collapse from 65-2 down in the eighth over.
Only Buttler, who was at his best with class rather than creativity in hitting eight fours and two sixes, seemed capable of picking apart the Chakravarthy puzzle.
Brook and Livingstone were bowled by his spectacles after which the England captain hit the only boundary to a single by Adil Rashid in the 19th over.
Bethell and Atkinson, in particular, consumed deliveries and were unable to land a blow on Buttler. Overton was caught and Atkinson beat left-arm spinner Axar, who backed up Chakravarthy for 2-22.
The ground play and ball handling was also of a high standard by a young India, without many of the big names who won the World Cup last year.
Mark Wood was run out off the last ball of the innings and England did not have enough on a decent pitch.
