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Team India are set to face England in a three-match ODI series, marking the team’s return to the 50-over format after nearly six months. The series, starting on February 6 in Nagpur, will serve as crucial preparation for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where India will be aiming for another major ICC title. With key players returning from injuries and new faces getting opportunities, this series is expected to offer a glimpse into India’s plans for the prestigious tournament in Dubai.
Star spinner included in India’s ODI squad
In a significant development, India have included mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy in the ODI squad following his stellar performances in the recently concluded T20I series against England. According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, Varun has already joined the team in Nagpur and trained with the squad ahead of the series opener.
Varun was India’s standout performer in the T20Is, finishing as the leading wicket-taker with 14 scalps at an average of 9.86 and an economy rate of 7.66. His inclusion strengthens an already potent spin department featuring Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar. This is Varun’s first call-up to the ODI squad, and he will be eager to make his mark in the 50-over format.
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Dress rehearsal for Champions Trophy 2025?
While the BCCI has yet to officially confirm Varun’s addition, the timing of this inclusion raises speculation about possible last-minute changes to India’s Champions Trophy squad. The three ODIs against England serve as India’s only 50-over assignment before the marquee event, giving selectors a final opportunity to assess player form and fitness.
With Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami recovering from injuries, the team management has opted to manage their workloads carefully. Bumrah will only be available for the third ODI, while young pacer Harshit Rana has been included for the first two matches.
India will play England in Nagpur (February 6), Cuttack (February 9), and Ahmedabad (February 12) before heading to Dubai for the Champions Trophy. The squad for the tournament can still be altered until February 11 without ICC approval, meaning strong performances in this series could open the door for late changes.
India’s revised ODI squad versus England
Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill (vc), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana (first two ODIs), Jasprit Bumrah (third ODI), Varun Chakravarthy
