IND vs ENG 1st ODI: Team India tries to shake off T20I hangover as ODI World Cup journey begins | Cricket news

But the skipper Shubman Gill insisted that this is a new format, a new day and a chance to reset. At the same time, he acknowledged the importance of the series with the World Cup just 15 months away.“It’s very different. Our mindset is that the combination for our World Cup preparations and the wickets we will get in South Africa will be similar to the one we will play here. So we will try to find the combination that suits us. In that sense, this is a very important series for us,” Gill said ahead of the three-match ODI series opener.Speaking of combinations, it will not be an easy task for coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Gill. All-rounders Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana are unavailable due to injuries. Although Prince Yadav has been brought in as Rana’s replacement, he may have to sit out. One of Gurnoor Brar, who looked impressive during the three days of practice, or Prasidh Krishna could make it into the XI. It will also be a tough match between Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar.

Team India is training in Edgbaston ahead of their first ODI against England. (Photo courtesy: Tanuj Lakhina)

If the nets are any indication, Dube bowled under the watchful eye of bowling coach Morne Morkel on the main pitch. Later, Rohit Sharma spoke to the 33-year-old and seemed to offer some much-needed guidance to the player who has played just four matches since making his debut in 2019.The need to constantly change combinations became frustrating, Gill admitted.“Players like these [Rana and Reddy]”We wanted them to play as many games as possible before the World Cup so that they feel settled if they get the chance to play in the World Cup,” he said. “So in that sense we are a bit unfortunate because now that they are injured we have to try another combination. The playing XI or XII that we wanted to field before the series is no longer possible. In that sense, we are forced to make some changes, but it is not an unsettled XI.

“Obviously, we wanted the players to get more experience in the big series like the England and New Zealand series later this year. The more opportunities the players get in high-pressure games, the better chance they have of performing down the road.”Virat, Rohit and Bumrah reinforcements for IndiaOn the back of a demoralizing run of results, this is a pressure situation for the youngsters in the squad. They are helped by having the support of Virat Kohli, who has played 311 ODIs, Rohit Sharma (285) and Jasprit Bumrah (89).

Virat Kohli trains at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground ahead of India’s first ODI against England. (Photo courtesy: Tanuj Lakhina)

There is an extra layer of intrigue surrounding all three. Kohli returns for the first time since the IPL final after missing the ODI against Afghanistan with a hamstring injury. Rohit arrives in England, where he has an outstanding ODI record, averaging 64.9 in the country, rising to 89.4 at Edgbaston. Meanwhile, Bumrah will be one to watch as he makes his first ODI appearance since the 2023 World Cup, ending a gap of 968 days.When two teams meet, one streak is set to end. India have beaten England in five consecutive ODIs, registering victories by as much as 100 and 142 runs during the streak that began in July 2022. England, meanwhile, have won seven consecutive ODIs at Edgbaston since June 2015. That streak includes convincing 210-run wins against New Zealand, 10-wicket wins against Sri Lanka, eight wickets against Australia and 238 runs against West Indies.For India, this series is less about the final score and more about identifying the right team combination for next year’s ODI World Cup. The first day of the road to the 2027 ODI World Cup begins in Edgbaston. Are Gill and Co. ready?