IND vs ENG Dream11 Prediction: 3 Top Captain Or Vice-Captain Choices For 1st ODI

Soumyajit Dutta

Hardik Pandya is among the top choices for fantasy team captains [Source: AP Photos]Hardik Pandya is among the top choices for fantasy team captains [Source: AP Photos]

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After an emphatic T20I series win against England, India is all set to play the three-match ODI series against England. The first match of the series is set to take place on February 6 at 1:30 PM IST. The game will be staged at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur

India

Meeting England after the 2023 ODI World Cup, India will look to assert their dominance in the opening ODI with a balanced lineup boasting both explosive batting and versatile all-rounders. Captained by Rohit Sharma, the side is anchored by Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Shreyas Iyer, while young talents such as Yashasvi Jaiswal add fresh energy to the batting order. 

The bowling unit, featuring specialists like Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, and Varun Chakravarthy, is expected to complement the batting strength with smart spin and pace options. Meanwhile, all-rounders like Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja provide additional balance to the side. With multiple threats in both departments, India aims to set a competitive target and control the pace of the game from the outset.

England

England, led by Jos Buttler, has got a dent in their confidence after the 4-1 T20I series loss. However, they will look to leverage their blend of experienced campaigners and dynamic all-rounders in the opening ODI clash. With a batting lineup spearheaded by stalwarts such as Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Ben Duckett, they are expected to build a solid foundation.

The bowling attack, featuring the likes of Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, and Saqib Mahmood, is geared up to challenge the Indian batters with a mix of pace and spin, aiming to restrict runs and claim early breakthroughs. England will rely on their balanced approach to create pressure and put India on the back foot right from the first ball.

Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium - Pitch Report for 1st ODI

The Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur is known for its batting-friendly surface. Initially, the pitch offers good pace and bounce, allowing batters to score freely, particularly against the new ball. Seamers will find little assistance early on. As the ball ages, pacers will need to rely on variations like off-cutters and slower bouncers to be effective, especially in the later stages of the innings.

Spinners will likely come into play during the middle overs, with the potential for increased turn, particularly if the pitch is dry and has developed cracks. While chasing teams have a strong record at this venue, the nature of the wicket could influence the toss decision. A dry, potentially deteriorating pitch might tempt the captain winning the toss to bat first, despite the general trend of chasing teams winning most of the matches.

Top 3 Captain and Vice-Captain Choices for IND vs ENG

3. Joe Root

Why Will Joe Root Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-captain?

Recent Red-Hot Form: Joe Root has been in scintillating form in the SA20 League 2025 and is expected to do well with the bat against India too, making him a top choice for fantasy captain or vice-captain. Notably, with 279 runs in just 8 innings at an average of 55.80 and a strike rate of 140.20, his recent knocks, such as a brisk 78 off 56 and a powerful 92 off 60, highlight his ability to take charge and consistently deliver match-winning performances.

Part-Time Bowler: In addition to his batting prowess, Root's part-time bowling adds significant value, racking up extra fantasy points in both departments. Though he isn't a frontline bowler, he can rack up crucial wickets in middle overs and provide a useful bonus, making him a well-rounded and dependable choice for any fantasy team.

2. Varun Chakravarthy

Why Will Varun Chakravarthy Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-captain?

Consistent Wicket-Taker: Varun Chakravarthy is in excellent form, consistently picking up wickets and keeping his economy in check. His performances in the recent T20I series against England, where he recorded figures like 5-24 and 3-23, underscore his ability as a mystery spinner who can prove to be useful in crunch situations. Hence, he can be a dependable choice as a fantasy captain or vice-captain for teams.

Spin Advantage And Reliability: Moreover, the Vidarbha pitch is known to offer assistance to spinners later in the game, increasing Chakravarthy's chances of taking wickets. This added advantage, combined with his current form, means he could not only earn points from his bowling but also influence the game significantly, making him a worthy captain or vice-captain pick for fantasy teams.

1. Hardik Pandya

Why Will Hardik Pandya Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-captain?

Middle-Order Anchor: Hardik Pandya has cemented his reputation as a middle-order star and power hitter, making him a top choice for fantasy teams. In the recent T20I against England, his aggressive batting was on full display, knocking 53 off 30 balls and 40 off 35, which has consistently helped his team chase down or set challenging totals. His ability to clear the boundaries with ease and change the momentum of the game from the middle order makes him an invaluable asset as a captain or vice-captain.

Experienced All-rounder: In addition to his batting prowess, Pandya's all-rounder abilities significantly boost his fantasy value. Pandya has racked up 5 wickets in the T20I series against England at an impressive economy rate of 8.85. Hence, his dual-threat capability and knack for restricting runs ensure that he contributes valuable points in both departments, making him a dependable choice for fantasy captain.