India Vs England 1st ODI LIVE SCORE: Rohit, Kohli back in their comfort zone; Bumrah, Shami concerns linger before CT
India Vs England LIVE SCORE: India are returning to ODIs after a gap of almost 200 days, and with the Champions Trophy knocking on the door, the three ODIs, starting today in Nagpur, hold plenty of significance. From Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's forms to Mohammed Shami's fitness, there are countless layers involved.
India Vs England LIVE SCORE: For a team that prides itself on consistency and quality in ODI cricket, a twelve-year trophy drought in the format is certain to be something of a sticking point for Indian cricket. Although the ICC Champions Trophy remains two weeks away from commencing, this three-match series against England is where the momentum will start to build for a team that is hungry to get their hands back on a trophy by getting into the winning habit — but in their way stands a dangerous, powerful team with plenty of weapons, led by a coach who has revolutionised attacking cricket and will be hoping to leave his mark on 50-over cricket as well....Read More
India are fresh off a 4-1 series win against England in the T20I series, with a massive 150-run victory at the Wankhede Stadium putting the exclamation mark on a dominant performance. But this is a reset button, as a different-looking Indian squad will arrive in Nagpur and attempt to enter the groove in the first of this crucial five-match series.
The focus of this match will likely be the form of captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Having retired from T20Is and struggled to an extreme degree against the red ball in recent months, there is a lot of concern regarding whether age has caught up with this pair of Indian batting greats. The dual series losses against New Zealand and Australia in Test cricket and a couple of failures on their return to the Ranji Trophy has put their form under the microscope more than ever in the past.
ODIs, however, have always been the best format for these two batters, with the pair particularly clicking into gear in the 2023 World Cup as they put together a historic campaign on home turf. For many, it may feel like failure is simply not an option for Rohit and Virat: they simply have to find form in this ICC tournament, otherwise the Indian management’s hand could be forced into looking for long-term successors already.
Around them in the batting group, there is plenty to be confident about. Shubman Gill loves batting in Asian conditions, and will want to start taking more responsibility within the Indian setup as he grows from a promising youngster into one of the staples of the team across formats. Shreyas Iyer is the most dangerous batter in the team at number four, capable of keeping the score ticking along in the middle overs and also providing the attacking impetus that made India so dangerous at the World Cup.
After them, two of KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Hardik Pandya will occupy the middle order slots: Hardik’s resurgent bowling ability surely makes him a shoo-in, which means Pant and Rahul could battle it out for the gloves. That is a decision that Gautam Gambhir will want to get right heading into the Champions Trophy, with a righty-heavy top six potentially swinging things in favour of Pant to start with.
In the bowling department, Jasprit Bumrah is rested while Mohammed Siraj has been dropped, but optimism will remain with Mohammed Shami likely to make a return and Arshdeep Singh showing plenty of quality in the T20I series ahead of a likely ODI return. Spin will continue to dominate with only two pacers named, but with as many as five different options, the three that will be used are difficult to call.
Axar Patel seems to be a player trusted greatly by Rohit and Gambhir in white-ball cricket, and his slight edge on Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar could see him occupy the number seven role as an all-rounder. Kuldeep Yadav is similarly trusted, and will make his comeback from injury in this series: he offers something completely different to the host of finger spinners, and India will want him to find his rhythm before the tournament. The last spot could be taken by Varun Chakravarthy, a late addition to the ODI squad who was nearly unplayable in the T20I series. This combination does leave the batting a bit light, with Kuldeep in at 8, but Gambhir doesn’t have too many games in which to tinker with his combinations, especially as a coach who prefers his team to have batting depth.
For the England team, currently in a state of transition, more will be expected than the relatively meek performances they put up in the T20I series. Although they pack plenty of firepower, their failure to combat India’s spin combinations will be concerning, although the presence of Joe Root in the ODI team will likely alleviate some of those concerns. Can Jos Buttler’s men figure out how to crack ODI cricket in India and the subcontinent better than they coped with the T20Is? It might come down to their powerplay bowling, where Jofra Archer in particular struggled with leaking runs, and the spin-bowling department, where Liam Livingstone as a front-line turner wasn’t an answer to their problems.
India start out as favourites in Nagpur, but there are still plenty of wrinkles for these two teams to iron out heading into this series. Only time and performances will tell how optimistic or concerned either should be heading into the Champions Trophy.
India Vs England LIVE SCORE, 1st ODI: Shreyas India's middle order x-factor?
India Vs England LIVE SCORE, 1st ODI: It says a lot about how dangerous a batter Shreyas Iyer can be that Australian captain Pat Cummins admitted he was the player that made them the most nervous in the ODI World Cup final. Capable of using a strong platform to take a 300-total to touching 400, or just as capable of reconstructing an innings through the middle overs, Iyer is India’s x-factor in the ODI game.
He does, however, have a history of struggling against express pace, which is something England have no shortage of. Will we get the Shreyas Iyer who is made to hop around the crease, or the one who stands and delivers towering sixes? England will know which one they would rather see.
India Vs England LIVE SCORE, 1st ODI: Some more stats
India Vs England LIVE SCORE, 1st ODI: Stats always make for fun engagement, so here's more to capture your interest level. India's highest score against England reads a mammoth 387/5 at Rajkot, where Yuvraj pummelled another hundred.
Their lowest total, though, is 132/3 in the 1975 World Cup. England's highest score of 366/8 came in a losing cause eight years ago in Cuttack, which by the way, is the venue for the 2nd ODI on Sunday.
That will be the 54th ODI played between India and England in India. India have won 34 out of the 52 ODIs against England that have been played on their home soil.
India Vs England LIVE SCORE, 1st ODI: What's up with Rohit Sharma's 'future'?
India Vs England LIVE SCORE, 1st ODI: Yesterday began with a report suggesting that the BCCI has urged Rohit Sharma to return to them after deciding his future. The board has reportedly given Rohit time until the end of the Champions Trophy so that they can outline the team, its captain, and the roadmap heading ahead.
However, by evening, Rohit himself had quashed those reports, making it clear that his focus is currently on the three ODIs against England and, subsequently, the Champions Trophy. Those within the know-of-things believe that the more Rohit refuses these reports, the more likely they are to be true – be it him not playing the SCG Test or making a call about his future.
India Vs England LIVE SCORE, 1st ODI: Which brings us to the question…
India Vs England LIVE SCORE, 1st ODI: Do India have enough pacers? Bumrah's status is unknown. Shami has played just two internationals in the last 14 months, and Arshdeep has only 8 ODIs to show for. Of course, India have Hardik Pandya to rely on, but when it comes to front-line pacers, they got only three options with the rookie Harshit Rana as back-up.
Agree, India will play all their CT matches in Dubai, but even for a surface that tends to get as sluggish as the Dubai Sports City Cricket Stadium, three pacers may be a tad less. If Bumrah is fit, there's absolutely no reason to worry, but in case he doesn't – which seems more likely with every passing day, the fast-bowling stocks appear just a tad weaker.
India Vs England LIVE SCORE, 1st ODI: Mohammed Shami's time to shine!
Mohammed Shami, the leading wicket-taker from the 2023 World Cup, will play his first ODI since November 19. That's 15 months away from playing cricket for India. When he was given just two chances in the T20Is, where he went wicketless in one and grabbed three in another, it felt as if he is yet to recover fully.
However, as time went by, the move made more sense. In Bumrah's absence, Shami has to shoulder the bulk of India's bowling responsibilities. And for that, neither Shami nor India can risk losing the fast bowler, especially with the Champions Trophy looking large.
India Vs England LIVE SCORE, 1st ODI: What are England's realistic chances of winning against India?
India Vs England LIVE SCORE, 1st ODI: England were the 2019 World Champions. But a lot of water has flown under the bridge since then. There is something immensely wrong with how they play the ODIs these days. Since the 2023 World Cup, England have played 11 ODIs, only to win 4 and lose to West Indies and Australia.
In the 50-overs format, England find themselves in the same boat as they did 10 years ago in 2015. Playing a somewhat outdated style of cricket. And since India know they only have three ODIs to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the CT, Rohit and his men start as outright favourites.
India Vs England LIVE SCORE, 1st ODI: Don't forget Joe Root!
India Vs England LIVE SCORE, 1st ODI: Look who's back! Joe Root, the former England captain, is back to play his first ODI for England in 13 months. Root, who hasn't played for England since their ouster in the 2023 World Cup, hopes to join their bandwagon of aggressive batters.
Root has had decent exposure playing T20 cricket for the Paarl Royals in the ongoing SA20, and coach Brendon McCullum and captain Jos Buttler would be hoping that the experienced Root can use his time in South Africa to good effect in India.
Expected to be back at his usual No. 3 spot, Root would want to extend his solid record against India, which currently stands at 739 runs from 20 innings at an average of 43.47.
India Vs England LIVE SCORE, 1st ODI: Exit Jasprit Bumrah
India Vs England LIVE SCORE, 1st ODI: Can someone please tell us what in the world is going on with Jasprit Bumrah? Ever since he injured his back in the Sydney Test against Australia last month, the BCCI has remained tight-lipped about the extent of his injury and recovery.
Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar named him in the England ODI squad but silently removed him from it as well on Wednesday evening, while mentioning Chakravarthy's inclusion. A report claims he has headed to the NCA and that an official verdict is expected over the next 7 days, but nothing has been made official yet. Even captain Rohit Sharma remained coy about it, keeping his 'fingers crossed'.
India Vs England LIVE SCORE, 1st ODI: Enter Varun Chakravarthy
India Vs England LIVE SCORE, 1st ODI: Can you blame the Indian think-tank for including Varun Chakravarthy in their ODI squad after his splendid show against England in the T20Is? He was unplayable for most English batters, including captain Jos Butter and finished the series with 14 wickets, including a best of 5/24. Yes, five wickets in a T20I. Incredible stuff.
The ICC even rewarded the guy as he achieved a career-best No. 2 ranking for T20I bowlers. However, given he was a last-minute inclusion, whether he goes on to make the cut in India's 11 isn't guaranteed. With Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav already expected to be part of the Playing XI, Chakravarthy might have to wait, just for this one perhaps.
India Vs England LIVE SCORE, 1st ODI: How's the Nagpur weather holding up
Don't worry. There isn't much to worry about. It is bright, it is sunny and it's going to be quite warm. There are absolutely no chances of rain, so you can rule out the weather playing any dampener in the series opener.
Expect a bit of a cool breeze somewhere around 7PM, just about the start of the second innings but barring that, a typical Maharashtra kind of weather awaits both these teams.
Thankfully for Team India, rain has stayed away in this limited-overs series. The T20Is were successfully completed without any weather interruption and a similar prediction is expected out of the three ODIs.
India Vs England LIVE SCORE, 1st ODI: Not only ODIs, today marks Rohit and Kohli’s returns too
India Vs England LIVE SCORE, 1st ODI: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the two pillars of Indian cricket, find themselves in a very uncomfortable position. They don't have runs behind them, and neither is their place in the Indian team… well, let's just say, out of danger. The Australia Tests didn't go as per the plan and the New Zealand series before it was a forgettable chapter in itself.
Both turned up for Ranji Trophy too, hoping to get some form, but disappointment followed them there too. But the good news is that today, Rohit and Kohli return to the format they are most suited to – the ODIs. Take out Sri Lanka and both have been in rollicking form in the 50-overs format.
Gosh, do India need them to score runs in these coming three games?
India Vs England LIVE SCORE, 1st ODI: Leading wicket-taker in India vs England ODIs
India Vs England LIVE SCORE, 1st ODI: If Indians lead the charts in batting, England aren't far behind. James Anderson has been the highest wicket-taker in India-England ODIs, with 40 of them from 31 games, followed by Ravindra Jadeja at No. 2 with 39 scalps. The maverick Andrew Flintoff takes the third place, having taken 37 Indian wickets from 30 matches, with a best of 5/56.
However, the best bowling-figures in India-England ODIs belong to Jasprit Bumrah – 6/19 at the Oval in 2022, followed by Ashish Nehra's legendary 6/23 at Durban during the 2003 World Cup. Reece Topley is in here too, his 6/24 at Lord's wrecked the Indian batting line-up.
India Vs England LIVE SCORE, 1st ODI: Who is the leading run-scorer in India vs England ODIs?
India Vs England LIVE SCORE, 1st ODI: Think of all the legendary names that have represented India and England against each other, and yet, the list of the leading run-scorers is led by Indian batters. Right at the top is MS Dhoni, with 1546 runs from 48 matches, followed by Yuvraj Singh with 1523 runs in 37 games – Oh, he loved batting against England.
Yuvraj, in fact, also brags about registering the highest individual score in India vs England ODIs – 150 in Cuttack 2017, his last hundred for India. For a change, Sachin Tendulkar takes the No. 3 spot, but he too had a fabulous record against England, with 1455 runs from 36 games.
India Vs England LIVE SCORE, 1st ODI: India vs England – H2H record
India Vs England LIVE SCORE, 1st ODI: Well, well, well. India are far ahead of England on this. The two teams have played a total of 107 ODIs to date, with India leading 58-42. Of course, the last time these two teams battled in ODIs was the 2023 World Cup, where India reigned supreme by 110 runs in Lucknow. Since first playing each other in the first time in 1974, India and England have been part of some memorable encounters – the 1983 World Cup semifinal, all seven matches during the 2007 and a personal favourite of this writer – the NatWest 2002 final. With such a heavy legacy involved, what will the fresh chapter throw up? Let's find out.
India Vs England LIVE SCORE, 1st ODI: When did India last play ODI?
India Vs England LIVE SCORE, 1st ODI: Well, it's been a while. Actually, quite a while. In fact, it has been 183 days since Team India last played an ODI – against Sri Lanka on August 7. It was the series that India lost 0-3 and one which marked Gambhir's tough start. He began his stint by winning the T20Is 3-0, but a drubbing in ODIs gave Sri Lanka their first bilateral series win over India in 28 years. Almost three decades. The players have since focussed their energy on a gruelling long Test season, while the youngsters embarked on beating South Africa in Africa and, just a few days ago, England. However, with three ODIs lined up just ahead of the CT, the experienced campaigners return, and with it, the hope that India can return victorious.
India Vs England LIVE SCORE, 1st ODI: HOLA!
India Vs England LIVE SCORE, 1st ODI: After months of T20 and Test cricket, the familiar ODIs are back. You don't see too many ODIs these days, do you? Especially in Indian cricket, which was dominated by either the razzmatazz of T20 cricket, and the old grind of Test cricket across the last 7-8 months. Nonetheless, it's time for the 50-overs to grace us, as the ICC Champions Trophy awaits, and India's road to Dubai go through England, who are on the lookout for revenge after their 4-1 drubbing in T20Is. The venue is Nagpur and the time, 2 PM. India. England and the good old ODIs is what we're talking about.
