The India vs England ODI series marks the beginning of an exciting white-ball contest between two top cricketing nations. Scheduled to kick off on February 6, 2025, in Nagpur, the three-match series will serve as a crucial battle for both teams as they fine-tune their squads ahead of upcoming ICC tournaments. With India playing at home, they will look to capitalize on familiar conditions, while England, known for their aggressive brand of cricket, will aim to challenge the hosts with their deep batting lineup and versatile bowling attack.
The series would be a great build-up for the upcoming 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan and the UAE, providing both India and England with an opportunity to test their squad combinations, assess player form, and fine-tune strategies in 50-over cricket. With the tournament just weeks away, this series will serve as a crucial platform for players to cement their places in the squad while teams focus on addressing key areas such as batting depth, bowling variations, and adaptability to different conditions.
Here’s a predicted XI of India for the first ODI against England:
1: Rohit Sharma (C)
Indian captain Rohit Sharma is one of the finest white-ball openers, known for his impeccable timing, effortless six-hitting, and ability to play long innings. He has been a dominant force for the Indian side in 50-over format. With three double centuries in ODIs, his experience and leadership provide India with a strong foundation at the top.
In 265 ODI matches, Rohit Sharma has managed to score a total of 10,866 runs with an average of 49.16. He has scored 31 centuries and 57 fifties with a strike rate of 92.43.
2: Shubman Gill
Young opener Shubman Gill is a technically sound and elegant batter who thrives on timing rather than power. His ability to play both pace and spin effectively, coupled with his hunger for big scores, makes him a reliable top-order batter.
In 47 ODI matches, Shubman Gill has managed to score a total of 2,328 runs with an average of 58.20. He has scored 6 centuries and 13 fifties with a strike rate of 101.74.
3: Virat Kohli
The GOAT of cricket, Virat Kohli is India’s most consistent batter in ODIs, renowned for his chasing ability, aggressive stroke play, and supreme fitness. His ability to rotate strike and accelerate when needed makes him the backbone of the batting lineup.
In 295 ODI matches, Virat Kohli has managed to score a total of 13,906 runs with an average of 58.18. He has scored 50 centuries and 72 fifties with a strike rate of 93.54.
4: Shreyas Iyer
Consistent batter Shreyas Iyer is a fluent middle-order batter who is exceptional against spin, making him vital in the middle overs. He can play the role of an anchor and has the ability to accelerate with clean hitting, especially against pace.
In 62 ODI matches, Shreyas Iyer has managed to score a total of 2,421 runs with an average of 47.47. He has scored 5 centuries and 18 fifties with a strike rate of 102.41.
5: Rishabh Pant
Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant is an aggressive left-handed batter capable of turning games around with his fearless stroke play. His unorthodox shots and ability to take on both spin and pace make him a dangerous middle-order option. Additionally, his wicketkeeping skills add value to the side.
In 31 ODI matches, Rishabh Pant has managed to score a total of 871 runs with an average of 33.50. He has scored 1 century and 5 fifties with a strike rate of 106.21.
6: Hardik Pandya
A genuine fast-bowling all-rounder, Pandya provides crucial balance to the team. He can bowl at speeds above 140 kmph, deliver breakthroughs in the middle overs, and is one of India’s most explosive finishers with the bat.
In 86 ODI matches, Hardik Pandya has managed to score a total of 1,769 runs with an average of 34.01 and has taken 84 wickets with an economy of 5.55.
7: Ravindra Jadeja
Jadeja is an invaluable three-dimensional player, contributing with left-arm spin, aggressive lower-order batting, and elite fielding. His accuracy in bowling and ability to finish innings with quick runs make him a key asset.
In 197 ODI matches, Ravindra Jadeja has managed to score a total of 2,756 runs with an average of 32.42 and has taken 220 wickets with an economy of 4.88.
8: Axar Patel
Underrated all-rounder, Axar Patel is a reliable left-arm spinner who bowls with tight lines and extracts bounce and turn. He is also a capable lower-order batter, capable of playing crucial cameos under pressure.
In 60 ODI matches, Axar Patel has managed to score a total of 560 runs with an average of 19.58 and has taken 64 wickets with an economy of 4.49.
9: Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami is one of India’s most experienced pacers, known for his ability to move the ball both ways, extract seam movement, and bowl deadly yorkers in the death overs. His wicket-taking ability in powerplays is a huge advantage.
In 101 ODI matches, Mohammed Shami has managed to take 195 wickets with an economy of 5.55, with 7 for 57 becoming his best bowling spell.
10: Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep is a left-arm pacer known for his ability to swing the new ball and deliver accurate yorkers at the death. His composure under pressure and ability to deceive batters with variations make him a promising fast bowler.
In 8 ODI matches, Arshdeep Singh has managed to take 12 wickets with an economy of 5.05, with 5 for 37 becoming his best bowling spell.
11: Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep is India’s best wrist-spinner in white ball cricket with an ability of troubling batters with his flight, turn, and variations. His ability to break partnerships and pick wickets in the middle overs is crucial for India’s bowling attack.
In 106 ODI matches, Kuldeep Yadav has managed to take 172 wickets with an economy of 4.99, with 6 for 25 becoming his best bowling spell.
