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RCB Star To Replace Virat Kohli; Sanju Samson In: India's Strongest Squad For England ODIs

Abhinav Tyagi∙ Updated: Dec 31 2024, 6:59 PM

Sanju Samson -(Source:@Johns/X.com)Sanju Samson -(Source:@Johns/X.com)

On Tuesday, December 31, there were significant developments around Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. A few reports suggested that the BCCI is mulling to rest Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Rohit Sharma for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England.

Notably, the Three Lions will visit India for a three-match ODI series starting on February 6. It will be Men in Blue's last ODI series before the crucial Champions Trophy 2025. Now, if India would actually be without Virat, Rohit, and Bumrah, it would be a different-looking side, and this article will shed light on India's strongest squad for England ODIs.

Gill Jaiswal To Open; Samson To Replace Rohit Sharma

In case Rohit Sharma is left out of the squad for England ODIs, India are likely to rope in Sanju Samson as Rohit's replacement. The RR skipper had a brilliant run in T20Is in 2024 and can be a great replacement at the top for the hitman. 

Meanwhile, Shubman Gill will continue to open and have a new partner at the other end in the form of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is yet to play an ODI for India. 

Rajat Patidar To Replace Kohli; Iyer, Rahul And Hardik To Headline Middle-Order

India have had a stable middle order since the 2023 World Cup in India. They have KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Shreyas Iyer, and Rishabh Pant, who will form the middle order.

Further, Rajat Patidar is the strong favourite to replace Virat Kohli in the squad as he was in a brilliant run in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and also shone with the bat in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. Thus, the BCCI would look to bask in RCB star's confidence and form. 

Pandya To Lead And KL Rahul To Act As His Deputy?

Ideally, Hardik Pandya is the most suited man to lead Men in Blue in case Rohit is left out of the squad. Further, KL Rahul is likely to act as the vice-captain of the team. 

Harshit Rana, Arshdeep To Take Control Of The Pace Attack

India will be without Jasprit Bumrah that is a certainty. Meanwhile, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana have an important task ahead of them. It is worth noting that they willl have Mohammed Siraj, but Miyan too can be rested.

Further, in the spin bowling, they have Washington Sundar and Varun Chakravarthy.

India's Strongest Squad For England ODIs

Sanju Samson, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rajat Patidar, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (WK), KL Rahul (vc), Hardik Pandya (C), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy