IND vs ENG: Predicted India playing XI for the first ODI

Following back-to-back T20I series defeats, the Indian team's morale is at its lowest. Since winning the T20 World Cup, India have yet to register their first victory in the shortest format. They were first whitewashed 0-2 by minnows Ireland before suffering a 0-4 series defeat against England.

However, the focus has now shifted to the 50-over format, as India and England are set to face each other in a three-match ODI series starting on July 14. The series will also mark the return of India's senior stars, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah. Notably, Bumrah is set to play his first ODI since the 2023 ODI World Cup final. Virat Kohli is also making his return after a tremendous IPL season. He missed the Afghanistan ODI series due to injury. 

Meanwhile, the pressure is mounting on head coach Gautam Gambhir following India's disappointing run across formats. Reports suggest that his position is under scrutiny, and he will be desperate to guide India to an ODI series victory. Another poor performance could further increase the uncertainty surrounding his future.

The IND vs ENG opening ODI match will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham on July 14. The series will also officially kick-start India's preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, with the team management keen to identify its best possible combination for the mega event. At the moment, only Hardik Pandya is missing the series due to his quadriceps strain. It looks like the management has moved forward from veterans Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj as they have not been included in the current ODI squad. 

Rohit Sharma, skipper Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul are almost certain to occupy the top five batting positions, meaning Ishan Kishan may have to wait for another opportunity. Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav are also expected to be automatic selections in the playing XI.

That leaves four spots up for grabs, making team selection one of the biggest talking points of the series. Shivam Dube has been included in the squad following injuries to Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy, while Axar Patel is expected to be the preferred spin-bowling all-rounder, who can bat at 5. Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna are likely to complete the pace attack alongside Bumrah.

Indian team is currently eyeing on their first ever victory of the tour, and veteran players will have the responsibility to do this task. 

Predicted India playing XI for the IND vs ENG first ODI  

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill ©, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna

Bench: Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan, Gurnoor Brar, Prasidh Krishna