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IND vs ENG 1st ODI Playing 11 Prediction, Fantasy Tips, Pitch Report, Live Streaming

Jatin∙ Updated: Feb 5 2025, 8:12 PM

IND vs ENG 1st ODI Preview [Source: @BCCI, @englandcricket/x.com]IND vs ENG 1st ODI Preview [Source: @BCCI, @englandcricket/x.com]

India and England are set to square off again in the 50-over format as the first ODI of the three-match series will get underway at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur on Thursday, February 6. After clinching the T20I series 4-1, India will be riding high on confidence but ODIs bring a different challenge; one that both teams need to conquer with the Champions Trophy on the horizon.

IND vs ENG 1st ODI Team Previews And Comparison

Criterion
India
England
Top-Order8.58.5
Middle-Order98
Fast Bowling7.58.5
Spin Bowling98
Overall8.5/108.2/10


India

After a long break from the format, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul are back in action. Their experience will be crucial, especially with the team looking to iron out any flaws ahead of the Champions Trophy. India’s last ODI series in 2024 ended in a shock 2-0 defeat to Sri Lanka, so this series is not just about momentum—it’s about setting things right.

India will miss Jasprit Bumrah, who has been withdrawn from the squad over fitness concerns. Instead, they’ve brought in mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, the Player of the Series in the T20Is against England. With his tricky variations and control, he could be a game-changer. Under Gautam Gambhir, the team will look to stamp their authority in ODIs once again.

England

Jos Buttler’s side had a tough time in the T20Is, losing 4-1, but ODIs bring a fresh start. The return of Joe Root will add much-needed stability and experience to their middle order. Root’s ability to anchor the innings while others bat around him will be key for England in these conditions.

The visitors will be hungry for redemption after getting outplayed in the shorter format and this ODI series is their best chance to regroup before the Champions Trophy. They will look to kick off the ODI series with a win.

IND vs ENG 1st ODI Match Details And Live Streaming

Information
Details
Date & TimeFebruary 6, 1:30 PM (IST)
Venue Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur
Live Broadcast & StreamingStar Sports Network, DD Sports & Disney+HotStar



IND vs ENG 1st ODI Pitch Report: How Will Surface At Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur Behave?

The Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium is known for excellent batting conditions and the pitch is expected to behave accordingly. Pacers won’t find much joy early on, as the track offers even pace and bounce, making it perfect for stroke-making. As the game progresses, fast bowlers will need to be smart, using off-cutters, slower balls, and variations to trick the batters.

Spinners could come into play in the middle overs, especially if the pitch dries out and develops cracks. With six out of nine ODIs at this venue won by chasing teams, there’s a good chance the toss-winning side might opt to bowl first. But if the wicket is barren and dry, batting first could be a tempting choice.

IND vs ENG 1st ODI Playing XI Prediction

India's Probable XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakarvarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami

England's Confirmed XI: Ben Duckett, Phil Salt (wk), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c), Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood

IND vs ENG 1st ODI Fantasy Tips And Key Players

  • The Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur is expected to be a batting track, which makes top-order batters a must-have in fantasy teams.
  • However, as the innings progresses, spinners and pacers with good variations will come into play. Middle-over bowlers, especially spinners who can extract turn will be key for fantasy points.
  • As per history, chasing teams have had more success here so picking finishers and death-over bowlers could be a smart strategy.
  • Risky Pick: KL Rahul is making his comeback into the ODI setup after a break and while he’s a reliable batter, rustiness could be a factor. If he gets going, he can anchor the innings and explode in the death overs, but early movement from the pacers could test him.
  • Safe Pick: Virat Kohli returns to ODIs and given his record in this format, he remains a must-have pick in your fantasy XI. With the pitch offering good pace and bounce, Kohli’s ability to rotate strike and build partnerships makes him a safe choice for captain or vice-captain.
  • England’s Wildcard: Joe Root is back and his ability to control the middle overs against spin will be hugely important for England. With India expected to play multiple spinners, Root’s skill in handling slow bowlers through sweeps and strike rotation could make him a game-changer.
  • India's Expected Key Players: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami
  • England's Expected Key Players: Jos Buttler, Joe Root, Phil Salt, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer

IND vs ENG 1st ODI Winner Prediction

With India’s strong spin attack, home advantage and a batting-friendly pitch, the hosts are the favourites to win this contest. If England’s middle order does not rise to the occasion, expect India to draw first blood in Nagpur.