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The Indian men’s cricket team is gearing up for an intense three-match ODI series against England, scheduled to take place on February 6, 9, and 12 across Nagpur, Cuttack, and Ahmedabad. Following their commanding 4-1 victory in the T20I series, India will shift their focus to the 50-over format as they look to fine-tune their squad and strategies ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. England, too, will view this series as a crucial opportunity to build momentum for the marquee tournament later this month.
India’s shift in focus: Experience over youth
With the Champions Trophy looming, India have opted for an experienced squad, omitting several T20I regulars such as Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma. This selection approach underscores India’s intent to prioritize seasoned players who have proven their mettle in the 50-over format. Veterans like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to bolster the squad, along with key names such as Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant. Their presence will be instrumental in solidifying India’s batting lineup, ensuring stability and firepower in the middle order.
India’s ODI homecoming: A chance to bounce back
The last time India played an ODI on home soil was the heartbreaking final of the ODI World Cup 2023 against Australia on December 19, 2023, a match that ended in disappointment for the hosts. As they return to 50-over action in front of home crowds, the team will be determined to regain their winning momentum. This series against England provides the perfect opportunity for India to refine their gameplay, rectify past mistakes, and build confidence ahead of the Champions Trophy. With both teams eyeing the bigger prize later this month, this ODI series promises to be a thrilling contest, setting the stage for an action-packed build-up to the Champions Trophy 2025.
Also READ: IND vs ENG 2025: Here’s how to buy tickets for the first ODI between India and England
India’s top-choice XI for the ODI series against England
1. Rohit Sharma (Captain)
Rohit Sharma is India’s most experienced opener, known for his ability to provide explosive start to his side. With over 10,000 ODI runs, including three double centuries, he is a key player in home conditions. His captaincy skills add immense value, especially against England’s aggressive approach. Rohit’s ability to dominate both pace and spin makes him a crucial top-order batter.
2. Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain)
Gill has emerged as India’s most consistent young opener, blending solid technique with fluent stroke play. He boasts an ODI average of over 50, with multiple centuries, including a double hundred. His ability to rotate strike and find boundaries ensures stability at the top. Against England’s fast bowlers, his technique will be vital in setting strong foundations.
3. Virat Kohli
Kohli remains India’s batting backbone, excelling under pressure with an outstanding ODI average of over 57. With 50 ODI centuries, he is India’s most reliable chaser and middle-order anchor. His ability to manipulate the field and score freely against both pace and spin makes him indispensable. Playing in home conditions, Kohli will be key in neutralizing England’s aggressive bowling attack.
4. Shreyas Iyer
Iyer provides solidity to the middle order with his ability to dominate spin and accelerate in the middle overs. He has an ODI average of nearly 48, with multiple centuries, showcasing his ability to stabilize and attack when needed. His strength against short-pitched bowling will be tested against England’s pacers. A crucial asset, Iyer can counter-attack in high-pressure situations and guide India in tricky chases.
5. KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper)
Rahul has reinvented himself as a dependable middle-order batter and a reliable wicketkeeper in ODIs. He averages over 49, with the ability to shift gears seamlessly, making him perfect for finishing innings. His adaptability in playing both anchoring and attacking roles strengthens India’s batting depth. As a wicketkeeper, his presence also provides India with additional balance in team composition.
6. Hardik Pandya (All-rounder)
Pandya is India’s premier all-rounder, offering power-hitting in the lower order and crucial overs with the ball. He has a strike rate above 110 in ODIs, making him a dangerous finisher. His ability to bowl in the middle overs and provide breakthroughs is vital against England’s aggressive batters. As vice-captain, his leadership and all-round contributions make him a key player.
7. Ravindra Jadeja (All-rounder)
Jadeja brings balance to the XI with his all-round skills, excelling as a left-arm spinner and a dependable lower-order batter. He has over 2,500 runs and 200 wickets in ODIs, proving his effectiveness in both departments. His ability to build partnerships and play counter-attacking innings under pressure strengthens India’s lower order. As a bowler, he can exploit turning conditions, keeping England’s batters in check.
8. Kuldeep Yadav (Spinner)
Kuldeep is India’s lead wrist-spinner, known for his wicket-taking ability in the middle overs. He has over 150 ODI wickets at an impressive economy, often breaking crucial partnerships. His variations, including the wrong’un, make him a constant threat on Indian pitches. Against England’s attacking batters, Kuldeep’s ability to deceive and control the game will be crucial.
9. Mohammed Shami (Pacer)
Shami remains India’s most lethal pacer, particularly with the new ball and in the death overs. With around200 ODI wickets, he has a proven record of delivering under pressure. His ability to swing the ball early and bowl effective yorkers makes him a key wicket-taker. Shami’s experience will be crucial against England’s aggressive top order.
10. Arshdeep Singh (Pacer)
Arshdeep’s left-arm angle and ability to bowl in the powerplay and death overs add variety to India’s pace attack. He has developed into a reliable pacer with a knack for picking up crucial wickets. His swing and ability to bowl cutters on Indian pitches will be useful against England’s powerful batting lineup. Arshdeep’s presence provides India with an extra edge in pace variation.
11. Harshit Rana (Pacer)
Rana, known for his raw pace and aggression, brings freshness to India’s fast-bowling unit. His ability to extract bounce and deliver sharp short-pitched balls makes him a good asset on Indian pitches. Though new to international cricket, his performances in domestic and IPL cricket have showcased his wicket-taking ability. Against England’s aggressive batting, his extra pace could be a game-changer.
Final XI composition
- Top Order: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli
- Middle Order: Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK)
- All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja
- Bowlers: Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana
