Fantasy Tips
India vs England 2025 (1st ODI) – Playing XI And Fantasy XI Predictions
By CricShots - Feb 5, 2025 7:05 pm
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The first ODI of the three-match series is all set for a clash of India and England as the teams will face each other on February 6 at 1:30 PM IST at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur. Following India’s crushing win over England by 4-1 in the T20I series, it is now time for the sides to focus on the 50-over formats, and the call would be for the team to give a great start ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy.

England india
England vs India

Rohit Sharma continues to be led by the marauding group of batsmen, with names like Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli in top form. Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel round off the big batting department complemented by serious bowling options and KL Rahul handling the gloves for the side.

Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh provide the much-needed pace to bowl, and for spin, both Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel seem to have risen to the billing. England will look to forget their T20I series setback under the leadership of Jos Buttler.

ALSO READ: Sanjay Manjrekar Predicts India XI For 1st ODI vs England, Excludes Varun Chakravarthy

The tourists will again count upon key batsmen Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Liam Livingstone to stabilize the innings. Their pace bowling boasts Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and Saqib Mahmood, with Adil Rashid being their front-line spinner. In head-to-head encounters, India has won 58 of the 108 ODIs played against England, with the latter securing 44 victories. With both teams looking to fine-tune their strategies, expect a fiercely contested battle in Nagpur as the race for an early series lead begins.

India

Team India
Team India 

India’s ODI squad sees the return of familiar names like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer, with Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja also vying for spots. Varun Chakravarthy has been added but may not feature immediately, while Yashasvi Jaiswal is likely a backup opener. Mohammed Shami, returning to ODIs after the World Cup, will lead the attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah (available for the third ODI) and Mohammed Siraj (dropped).

Arshdeep Singh, after an impressive South Africa series, will be key, while Hardik Pandya reenters the ODI setup. India must choose between Jadeja, who has troubled England batters in ODIs, and Axar Patel, seen as a key figure in India’s transition. Washington Sundar’s off-spin or Rishabh Pant’s left-handed batting could also shape the lineup.

Probable XI: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, Washington Sundar, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel / Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav

England

England gains a key asset in Joe Root, whose presence strengthens their batting, especially against spin. Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, and Jacob Bethell will look to capitalize, while Jofra Archer and Mark Wood spearhead the pace attack. England’s strategy against spin in Nagpur will be a key battle to watch.

Playing XI: Ben Duckett, Philip Salt(w), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler(c), Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood

Fantasy XI Suggestion 1: 

Jos Butler, Rishabh Pant, Virat Kohli, Joe Root (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Hardik Pandya (c), Ravindra Jadeja, Liam Livingstone, Mohammad Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Brydon Carse

Fantasy XI Suggestion 2: 

Jos Butler, Virat Kohli (vc), Joe Root, Yashasvi Jaiswal (c), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Liam Livingstone, Mohammad Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer