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Here’s a look at India’s likely playing XI for the 1st ODI against England, which is set to be played at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur on Wednesday, February 6.
KL Rahul (L) and Mohammed Shami (R) could make their way back to India’s ODI playing 11 for the 1st game against England. (Image: Sportzpics)
As India begins their final stretch of preparations ahead of the Champions Trophy, the upcoming three-match ODI series against England will be crucial for the Indian skipper to finalise his combinations ahead of the tournament.
The first T20I, held at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur could provide an even contest between both sides. For the Men in Blue, the focus will be on two key aspects. How Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli perform with the bat and whether Mohammed Shami can bowl all 10 overs without any pressing concerns.
With a stacked batting order at the top, the side could bring in as many as three all-rounders to improve their middle order and give them additional bowling options. Mohammed Shami could look to Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh to form a three-pronged pace attack while Kuldeep Yadav leads the spin unit with Washington Sundar and the experienced Ravindra Jadeja.
As for wicketkeeping duties, it will be a toss-up between Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul. The latter was the designated glovesman for the 2023 ODI World Cup but the return of Pant could see him don the gloves for the ODI series opener. Rahul against spin could be the way to go as the Karnataka-based batter holds an average of 55.5 against spinners.
The Men in Blue will be keen on rectifying their woes against quality spin while the top-order return to their best form. With the batting unit getting the big runs, the bowlers would be under lesser pressure with a bigger target to defend.
It will also be interesting to see how Arshdeep fares in the coming series. With only 8 games under his belt for the 50-over format, the side could look at the southpaw to give their fast-bowling unit some added variety. Hardik on the other hand has been a regular feature but he would have to ensure that he does not pick up injuries to add further concerns.
India’s Probable Playing XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh