After a disappointing T20I campaign, India have an immediate opportunity to turn the page when they take on England in the opening ODI of the three-match series at Edgbaston on Tuesday.
More importantly, the contest marks the beginning of India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, with the return of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah restoring the core of the side in the 50-over format.
The trio’s inclusion gives captain Shubman Gill a near full-strength squad for the first time on the tour, bringing much-needed experience to both the batting and bowling departments after India’s struggles in the shortest format.
Experienced core returns
India’s batting once again has a familiar look. Rohit is expected to reunite with Gill at the top of the order, an opening partnership that averages an impressive 60.9 in ODIs.
Gill enters the series in outstanding form, having scored 373 runs in five ODI innings this year at an average of 93.3 and a strike rate of 117, including three half-centuries and a century.
Kohli, meanwhile, returns with multiple milestones in sight. Tuesday’s fixture is set to be his 300th ODI innings, while the batting great is just 203 runs away from becoming only the third player to reach 15,000 ODI runs. His recent numbers underline his consistency, averaging 123 across his last seven ODI innings since the start of 2025.
Shreyas Iyer is expected to slot back into his preferred No. 4 position, while KL Rahul, fresh from a productive series against Afghanistan in which he scored 139 runs, is likely to keep wickets and provide stability in the middle order.
Bumrah boosts India’s bowling attack
India’s biggest boost comes with the return of Jasprit Bumrah, who is back in the ODI setup after a lengthy absence.
The pace spearhead is expected to lead an attack comprising Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar, with youngster Prince Yadav also pushing for an opportunity during the series.
Kuldeep Yadav will shoulder spin duties alongside Axar Patel and heads into the series needing six wickets to become only the fourth Indian spinner to claim 200 ODI wickets.
England seek ODI revival
England, too, are searching for momentum in the 50-over format.
Captain Harry Brook has adapted impressively to ODI leadership, scoring 850 runs in 17 innings at an average of 60.7, including three centuries.
Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell are expected to open, while Joe Root remains the cornerstone of England’s middle order after another prolific run in ODI cricket.
With the ball, veteran leg-spinner Adil Rashid continues to be England’s biggest weapon and is closing in on the milestone of 150 ODI wickets.
Fresh start for India
Although India were comprehensively beaten in the T20I series, history favours the visitors in this rivalry. They have won seven of the last nine bilateral ODI series against England since 2010.
More importantly, every ODI from here carries added significance with the 2027 World Cup now firmly on the horizon. With Rohit, Kohli and Bumrah back in the XI and Gill leading a settled squad, India will be eager to ensure their journey towards South Africa begins on a winning note.
India vs England 1st ODI: Match Details
When: Tuesday, July 14, 3:30 PM IST
Where: Edgbaston, Birmingham
Where to watch: The England-India ODI series will be telecast on the Sony Sports Network and streamed live on the JioHotstar app and website
India vs England 1st ODI: Squads
England: Harry Brook (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler (wk), James Coles, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Josh Tongue
India: Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (vc), KL Rahul (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar, Prince Yadav