Series Opener in Nagpur
The first ODI of the three-match series between India and England will be played today at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur. This is the first time both teams will face each other in an ODI at this venue. The match will commence at 1:30 PM IST, with the toss scheduled for 1:00 PM.
India Holds the Momentum After T20 Series Win
After dominating England 4-1 in the T20I series, India enters the ODI format with strong momentum. However, the team played only three ODIs in 2024, making this series crucial ahead of the Champions Trophy, which starts on February 19. Captain Rohit Sharma will use this series to finalize India’s playing combination for the major ICC event.
Match Details
Date: February 6, 2025
Venue: Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur
Toss: 1:00 PM IST
Match Start: 1:30 PM IST
Varun Chakravarthy Poised for ODI Debut
Two days before the match, mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy was included in India’s ODI squad. He trained with the team in Nagpur and is expected to make his ODI debut. Chakravarthy was the Player of the Series in the T20Is after taking 14 wickets.
Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah, who was originally selected for the final ODI, has been ruled out. The BCCI’s updated squad announcement omitted Bumrah’s name, confirming his unavailability.
England Announces Playing XI
On Wednesday, England revealed their playing XI for the match. The England Cricket Board (ECB), via social media platform X, confirmed that Joe Root will return to the team for the first time since 2023. The squad includes 10 players from the T20I team.
Virat Kohli Nears 14,000 ODI Runs
Star batter Virat Kohli is on the brink of reaching 14,000 runs in ODIs. Currently at 13,906 runs in 295 matches, Kohli needs 94 more runs to join Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara in the elite 14K club.
Head-to-Head Record: India Dominates
Since 1974, India and England have faced off in 107 ODIs. India has won 58 matches, while England has emerged victorious in 44 games.
Rohit and Virat’s Strong Record vs England
Despite recent struggles with form, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have impressive ODI records against England:
- Virat Kohli: 42.00 average, 1,340 runs in 36 matches
- Rohit Sharma: 49.00 average, 724 runs in ODIs vs England
Jadeja India’s Top Wicket-Taker vs England
All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja holds the record for most wickets against England by an Indian bowler, with 39 wickets in 26 matches.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami, who returns to the ODI squad for the first time since 2023, has picked up 25 wickets in 15 ODIs against England.
