Rohit, Gill To Open; Kohli In, Bumrah Ruled Out: India's Strongest XI For England ODIs
Rohit, Gill to open; Bumrah to sit out vs England [Source: @AhmedGT_, @poeticbirdie/X]
Yesterday afternoon, India unveiled their 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy and England ODIs. Led by Rohit Sharma, India will take on England in three ODIs before departing to Dubai for the Champions Trophy.
While Shubman Gill was named Rohit Sharma's new deputy, the absence of Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah's injury concerns were two major highlights of the selection. As revealed by the BCCI selection committee chief Ajit Agarkar, India will be without Bumrah, at least in the first two ODIs against England. Promising speedster Harshit Rana will join the team as his replacement.
As the hosts have announced their squad, let's analyse and find out their most potent combination for the marquee event.
Top Order: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli
Although Yashasvi Jaiswal has been included in India's ODI squad, the hosts should persist with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill as their openers against England. The stylish batting duo has scripted numerous wins for the Indian team, amassing the most ODI runs as an opening pair since 2020. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, the linchpin of India's ODI batting unit, should bat at his preferred number three position.
Middle Order: Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya
While KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya are certain starters at number five and six, there's a toss-up between Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer for the number four slot. While Rishabh Pant brings variety and a more dynamic game to the table, India might give the first preference to Iyer, who has outstanding numbers at four in ODI cricket.
If KL Rahul doesn't keep wickets, India might go with Pant; otherwise, it's Shreyas Iyer who will start as the number four batter in the England ODIs.
Spin Bowling Allrounders: Axar Patel, Washington Sundar
Although Ravindra Jadeja has been included in the team, India should prefer Axar Patel over him, considering the latter's superior finishing skills. Meanwhile, Washington Sundar could be India's number eight, as his inclusion will ensure batting depth without compromising the bowling quality.
Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh
With Jasprit Bumrah struggling with back injury, India should pick Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh as their frontline pacers for the England ODIs. These two bowlers can operate across phases, with Hardik Pandya playing the third seamer's role. On the other hand, Kuldeep Yadav, one of India's most successful ODI bowlers of late, should lead the spin department with Axar and Sundar.
India's Strongest Playing XI For England ODIs
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh