TimesofIndia. com in Birmingham: It has been a challenging three weeks for the Indian team in the United Kingdom. First came a 2-0 loss to Ireland, followed by a 4-0 defeat to England, making for a hapless campaign. Six defeats in seven matches have well and truly reignited the big question: Are India unable to adapt to overseas conditions in limited-overs cricket?That question becomes even more concerning with the ODI World Cup in South Africa a little over a year away. India’s recent run in the 50-over format does little to alleviate those concerns as the team shifts focus to the ODI series in England, starting with the first match at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Tuesday (July 14).Since July 2024, India have had a disappointing record in away bilateral ODI series: 0-2 against Sri Lanka and 1-2 against Australia. During this period, India also lost 1-2 to New Zealand at home.
It is very different. Our mindset is that the combination for our World Cup preparation and the wickets we will get in South Africa will be similar to what we will play on here.
Shubman Gill
But 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 preparation and the wickets we will get in South Africa will be similar to what we will play on here. So, we will try to find a combination that works for us. In that sense, it’s a very important series for us,” Gill said on the eve of the three-match ODI series opener.Speaking of combinations, it won’t be an easy task for coach Gautam Gambhir and skipper Gill. All-rounders Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana are all unavailable because of injuries. Even though Prince Yadav has been brought in as Rana’s replacement, he might have to sit out. One of Gurnoor Brar, who has looked impressive during three days of practice, or Prasidh Krishna could come into the XI. There will also be a tough call between Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar.
Team India trains at the 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 ground. Later, Rohit Sharma had a chat with the 33-year-old and appeared to offer some much-needed guidance to a player who has played only four matches since making his debut in 2019.The need to keep changing combinations has become frustrating, Gill admitted.“Players like these [Rana and Reddy], we wanted them to play as many matches as possible before the World Cup so that they would feel settled if they got the opportunity to play in the World Cup,” he said. “So in that sense we are a bit unfortunate because now that they are injured, we need to try another combination. The playing XI or XII 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.
Players like these Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy, we wanted them to play as many matches as possible before the World Cup, so that they would feel settled if they got the opportunity to play in the World Cup
Shubman Gill
“Obviously, we wanted players to gain more experience in big series like England and the New Zealand series later this year. The more opportunities players get in high-pressure matches, the better chance they will have to perform going forward.”Virat, Rohit and Bumrah boost for IndiaOn the back of a demoralising run of results, this is a pressure-cooker situation for the youngsters in the squad. It helps that they have 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 match against England. (Photo Courtesy: Tanuj Lakhina)
There is an added layer of intrigue around all three. Kohli returns for the first time since the IPL final after missing the ODIs against Afghanistan because of a hamstring injury. Rohit arrives in England, where he has an outstanding ODI record, averaging 64.9 in the country, which rises to 89.4 at Edgbaston. Bumrah, meanwhile, will be one to watch as he makes his first ODI appearance since the 2023 World Cup, ending a gap of 968 days.When the two teams face off, one streak is set to end. India have beaten England in five straight ODIs, recording victories by margins as large as 100 and 142 runs during a run that began in July 2022. England, meanwhile, have won seven consecutive ODIs at Edgbaston since June 2015. That streak includes emphatic victories by 210 runs against New Zealand, 10 wickets against Sri Lanka, eight wickets against Australia and 238 runs against the West Indies.For India, this series is less about the eventual result and more about identifying the right team combination for next year’s ODI World Cup. Day one of the road to the 2027 ODI World Cup begins at Edgbaston. Are Gill and Co. ready?
