Times of India. com in Birmingham: It has been a challenging three weeks for the Indian team in the UK. First came a 2-0 loss to Ireland, followed by a 4-0 defeat to England, making for an unlucky campaign. Six defeats in seven matches has well and truly brought back the big question: Are India unable to adapt to overseas conditions in limited-overs cricket?This question becomes even more concerning with the ODI World Cup in South Africa just over a year away. India’s recent run in the 50-over format does little to ease 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 bilateral ODI series away: 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 have in South Africa will be similar to what we will play here.
Shubman Gill
But captain Shubman Gill insisted that this is a new format, a new day and a chance to reset. At the same time, I recognized the importance of the series with the World Cup just 15 months away.“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 here. So, we will try to find a combination that works for us. In that sense, it is a very important series for us,” said Gill on the eve of the opening of the three-match ODI series.Talking about combinations, it will not be an easy task for coach Gautam Gambhir and skipper Gill. All-rounders Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana are unavailable due to injuries. Even if Prince Yadav was brought in as Rana’s replacement, he might have to stay out. One of Gurnoor Brar, who looked impressive during three days of practice, or Prasidh Krishna could enter the XI. There will also be a tough call between Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar.
Team India train at Edgbaston ahead of their first ODI against England. (Photo courtesy: Tanuj Lakhina)
If the nets are any indication, Dube has thrived 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 seemed to offer some much-needed guidance to a player who has played just four matches since his debut in 2019.Having to keep up with the changing 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 would feel settled if they had the opportunity to play in the World Cup,” he said. “So in this sense we are a little disappointed because now that they are injured, we need to try another combination. The XI or XII game that we want to play before the series is no longer possible. In this sense, we are forced to make some changes, but it is not an unstable 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 would get a chance to play in the World Cup.
Shubman Gill
“Obviously, we want the players to gain more experience in big series like the England and New Zealand series later this year. The more opportunities the players get in high-pressure games, the more likely they are to perform going forward.”Virat, Rohit and Bumrah push for IndiaOn the back of a demoralizing series of results, this is a pressing situation for the youngsters in the team. 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 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. 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 meet, a streak is set to end. India have beaten England in five consecutive ODIs, recording victories by margins as high 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. This streak includes emphatic 210, 210 and 10-run victories by New Zealand against the 10 teams. wickets against Australia and 238 runs against 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. The first day of the road to the 2027 ODI World Cup begins at Edgbaston. Gill and Co. are they ready