After securing a commanding 4-1 victory in the T20I series, India now turns its focus to the three-match ODI series against England, which is crucial as a precursor to the Champions Trophy 2025. Captain Rohit Sharma, along with Virat Kohli and key players like Shreyas Iyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill, were spotted at Nagpur airport today heading to the first ODI, scheduled to take place at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium tomorrow, February 6.
Although Suryakumar Yadav led India to an easy victory in the T20I series, ODIs are more crucial at this stage. This presents India’s final opportunity to finalize their combinations ahead of the Champions Trophy. Following their disappointing 0-2 series loss in Sri Lanka, where the third match was abandoned due to rain, the team is eager to re-enter the competition.
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This series is not merely a practice for veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli but also about returning to form. Both were not at their best in the last Border-Gavaskar series against Australia when they struggled to find runs and faced criticism from the fans and experts. Some even told them to quit Test cricket.
Whole Nagpur airport shouting loudly “Rohit Rohit”, “Mumbai cha Raja Rohit Sharma” and “Nagpur cha Raja Rohit Sharma”🤯🔥
Unreal craze of Captain Rohit Sharma in his birthplace Nagpur @ImRo45 🐐🙇🏼♂️ pic.twitter.com/EZPE4ou6Eq
— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) February 3, 2025
🚨#ViratKohli arrives at Nagpur!!
6th February — ODI 1 of 3!#INDvENG @ThumsUpOfficial @BCCI @VTrips_7781 pic.twitter.com/1V3jJWT6XO
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) February 2, 2025
In an attempt to regain rhythm, both returned to domestic cricket after years, featuring in the Ranji Trophy, but failed to make an impact. With the Champions Trophy on the horizon, the duo will be keen to find form in ODIs and silence their critics. On the other hand, Shubman Gill comes into the series with a lot of confidence after scoring a gritty century against Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy.
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As India’s ODI vice-captain, he has been a standout performer in the format, amassing 2,328 runs in 47 matches at an impressive average of 58.20. His role at the top will be vital.
Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Shreyas Iyer, who is set to return to international cricket for the first time since August 2024. With middle-order stability a key concern, his form could be a decisive factor in India’s Champions Trophy preparations.
