India’s strongest playing XI vs England for first ODI - Predicted
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The England vs India first ODI of three-match series will be played on July 14.
After a tough T20I series, India will be up against England in the three-match ODI series. The series will be important for both teams in context of their preparation for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, which will be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The fixtures of ENG vs IND ODIs are scheduled for July 14, 16 and 19 in Birmingham, Cardiff and London, respectively. Jasprit Bumrah will be returning to the ODI setup, having played his last ODI match in November 2023.
On the other hand, Gurnoor Brar, who was impressive in the ODI series against Afghanistan, has been picked. Virat Kohli will also be making his comeback after missing the last series due to his hamstring injury. India would be hoping to making a strong comeback against England in ODIs, especially after 4-0 loss in T20Is, and gave their fans something to cheer about.
As first ENG vs IND is around the corner, we take a look at the probable Playing XI for the England ODI series.
India’s predicted XI for the first ODI against England
1. Rohit Sharma
Amidst the rumours of his retirement, Rohit Sharma was picked for the England ODI series, putting an end to all speculations. He had a fine outing against Afghanistan, where he scored 143 runs in 3 matches, including 79 runs in the third ODI. Rohit was proactive in the field, and continues to be an important part of the batting setup.
2. Shubman Gill (C)
The Indian skipper, Shubman Gill, was the Player of the Series in the ODI series against Afghanistan, having scored 238 runs in the 2 innings that he batted. He scored match-winning 84* and 154, winning consecutive Player of the Match awards.
Gill was also the Player of the Series in the ODI series against England when they toured India in 2025. He has been in sublime touch and will aim to bag his first SENA ODI series win as a captain.
3. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli will be making his return after a while. He last featured in the IPL 2026, where he scored 675 runs in 16 matches, with a stellar strike rate of 165. He played a match-winning knock in the final, guiding RCB to their second title. He will look to be back at his No.3 position in ODIs against England after missing Afghanistan series due to injury.
4. Shreyas Iyer (vc)
Shreyas Iyer looked scratchy in the Afghanistan series, having scored 58 runs in 3 matches, with his scores reading 12, 26, 20*. However, he has been incredible in the middle order for India and will continue to be so. He had a great time in T20Is as well, scoring over 200 runs.
5. KL Rahul (wk)
KL Rahul has been a very versatile and dynamic player, adjusting his batting role as per the position he is being sent at. He has owned the No.5 batting spot with dominance and has impeccable numbers. He finishes the games well for India, a glimpse of what we saw in the 1st ODI against Afghanistan where he made 39* off 19.
6. Shivam Dube
Shivam Dube was named as replacement for Nitish Reddy, who was ruled out of the series due to injury. Dube has been a regular member for India in T20Is but is yet to assert his authority in ODIs. The series will be perfect opportunity for him to reclaim his place in the side, and make his team win.
7. Axar Patel
Axar Patel will also be making his comeback to the 50-over side, after the Australia series that he played in October 2025. He did not feature in the series after that. His batting abilities are crucial lower down the order, along with his wicket-taking in the middle overs.
8. Gurnoor Brar
In the absence of Harshit Rana, Gurnoor Brar is expected to take the number eight spot in the team and act as third pacer. He had a great outing in the Afghanistan series, where he ended as the leading wicket-taker with seven wickets. He will hold key for India in England, where his pace and bounce can make difference.
9. Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav featured in only one ODI against Afghanistan and was wicketless, however, was economical. He has been picked for England, where he will most likely play as the lone spinner alongside one all-rounder. Kuldeep’s wicket-taking is pivotal for India in the middle overs.
10. Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah returns to ODI cricket after having played his last ODI game in November 2023. He had been playing only T20Is and some Test matches so far. But, as India gear up for the World Cup 2027 preparations, Bumrah’s return is crucial.
11. Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep Singh has emerged as the primary bowler for India in the ODIs, especially in the absence of Bumrah. He has been phenomenal, especially in picking wicket in the powerplay with the early movement. He will be valuable in the English conditions.
When is the first ODI against England?
India will play their first ODI against England on July 14.
Who was the Player of the Series against Afghanistan?
Shubman Gill was the Player of the Series against Afghanistan in ODIs.
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Cricket runs in the blood of Indians — and that’s something she truly believes in. A law student with a lifelong connection to the game, she has followed cricket passionately since his school days. Like countless young fans, she first experienced the sport on the field before deepening his understanding through constant watching, reading, and conversations around the game. Writing became a natural extension of that passion, bringing a “Pavilion Perspective” to his work — capturing how fans experience matches through their own lens.