India is set to return to One-Day Internationals (ODIs) for the first time since August last year, facing England in a three-match series before heading into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With the tournament scheduled to begin on February 19, this series will serve as a crucial preparation phase. Several key questions loom over the Indian team, including the form of senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the choice of wicketkeeper, and the overall team composition.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s Form: A Cause for Concern?
The performances of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be under the scanner as they seek to regain their best form ahead of the Champions Trophy. Both players endured difficult tours in Australia and failed to make a mark in domestic cricket upon their return to India.
Rohit, captaining Mumbai, managed scores of just 3 and 28 against Jammu & Kashmir in his Ranji Trophy match. Meanwhile, Kohli, playing for Delhi for the first time since 2012, was dismissed for just 6 against Railways. Kohli’s struggles outside the off-stump in Test matches were particularly concerning, with the batter frequently nicking deliveries in Australian conditions. In an effort to correct his technique, he was seen training with former India and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batting coach Sanjay Bangar before his Ranji Trophy appearance.
Despite recent struggles, ODIs remain their most comfortable format. Rohit last played a significant ODI series in August 2024, scoring 157 runs in three innings at a staggering strike rate of 141.44 against Sri Lanka. Kohli’s ODI form was also excellent in the 2023 World Cup, where he amassed 765 runs at an average of 95.62. The upcoming matches against England provide both batters a chance to regain confidence ahead of the ICC event.
Kohli is also nearing another milestone—14,000 ODI runs. Only two players, Sachin Tendulkar (350 innings) and Kumar Sangakkara (378), have crossed this mark. Kohli, currently at 13,906 runs in 283 innings, needs just 94 more to become the fastest player to achieve the feat. The three-match series against England could see him rewriting record books once again.
Who Will Be India’s Wicketkeeper? KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant?
Another major selection dilemma is the choice between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant as India’s wicketkeeper-batter. Since Pant’s road to recovery from a car accident, Rahul has been India’s first-choice keeper in ODIs, playing the role since August 2023. However, Pant’s return has reignited the debate.
During India’s tour of Sri Lanka in August 2024, both players were given opportunities behind the stumps. Rahul kept wickets in the first two matches, scoring 31 and 0, while Pant took over in the third, making only 6 runs. Their recent domestic performances have also been underwhelming. In the Test series against Australia, Rahul scored 276 runs in ten innings, while Pant managed 255 in nine. In the Ranji Trophy, Rahul made 26 and 43 for Karnataka against Haryana, while Pant registered 1 and 17 for Delhi against Saurashtra.
Both players were left out of India’s T20I squad for the five-match series against England, indicating that the ODI series will be their final chance to prove their credentials. The decision between Rahul and Pant will have tactical implications. Playing Rahul as the wicketkeeper means India will lack a left-handed batter in their top six unless they push one of their spin all-rounders up the order. Pant, on the other hand, provides left-handed variety and explosive stroke play but has been inconsistent in recent outings.
One possible solution could be including both players, with Rahul playing as a specialist batter and Pant taking the gloves. However, this would likely mean leaving out Shreyas Iyer from the XI, a decision that would disrupt India’s settled middle order.
India’s Likely Playing XI Against England
India’s batting lineup seems largely settled, barring the wicketkeeping conundrum. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill are expected to open, followed by Kohli at No. 3 and Shreyas Iyer at No. 4. Hardik Pandya, returning from injury, will slot in at No. 6 as the designated all-rounder.
The bowling attack is also taking shape. Jasprit Bumrah is expected to lead the pace department alongside Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami. India will also rely on spin, with Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav likely to be the primary options.
A potential playing XI for the first ODI could be:
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul / Rishabh Pant (WK)
- Hardik Pandya
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
- Mohammed Shami
India may also consider playing an extra all-rounder, such as Washington Sundar or Axar Patel, depending on pitch conditions.
England’s Challenge: A Formidable Opponent
England, the defending T20 World Cup champions, will provide a stern test for India. Their ODI team boasts an aggressive batting lineup featuring players like Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes, and Harry Brook. Their bowling attack, led by Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and Adil Rashid, adds further depth.
England has traditionally struggled in Indian conditions, particularly against spin. However, their aggressive approach in limited-overs cricket means India’s bowlers will have little margin for error.
Champions Trophy Looming: What’s at Stake?
With the Champions Trophy scheduled to start on February 19, this series holds immense importance for India. The team has limited time to finalize combinations and address concerns surrounding player form.
For Rohit and Kohli, this series is about regaining their rhythm. For Rahul and Pant, it’s a battle for the wicketkeeping spot. For bowlers like Bumrah, Siraj, and Kuldeep, it’s an opportunity to fine-tune their skills against a top-tier opponent.
Unlike the 2023 World Cup, where India dominated the group stage but fell short in the final, the Champions Trophy is a shorter tournament with less room for error. India’s performance in these three ODIs will serve as a crucial indicator of their title chances.
Final Thoughts
India’s return to ODI cricket comes with many questions, but also an opportunity to build momentum ahead of the Champions Trophy. The form of senior players, the selection of the wicketkeeper, and the overall team composition will be key talking points throughout the series.
As the cricketing world watches closely, India must make the most of these three matches to enter the Champions Trophy as strong contenders. The first ODI against England will set the tone, and with limited fixtures before the tournament, every game will be crucial in shaping India’s approach for the global event.
