After enduring a disappointing 4-0 whitewash in the T20I series, Indian team They will look to make a new start in the ODI format when they face each other England in the opening match of the three-match series at Edgbaston in Birmingham. With both teams beginning their preparations for the ODI World Cup 2027former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik has revealed the XI he believes should take the field in the first match of the series.
Dinesh Karthik backs experienced top order
India’s ODI campaign begins with the return of some of the biggest names in world cricket. Captain Shubman Gill will lead the team, while the veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah are back after missing the T20I series. Speaking on Sky Sports ahead of the first ODI, Karthik selected a top order based on experience and stability. He backed Rohit and Gill to continue their successful initial partnership, with Kohli occupying the crucial No. 3 position.
Karthik also included Shreyas Iyer at No. 4, highlighting the law’s ability to control the means and accelerate when necessary. KL Rahul He completed the specialist batting group, with the wicketkeeper-batsman expected to provide stability and finishing ability in the second half of the innings. The former Indian cricketer’s selections underline his belief that India’s experienced batting unit remains the backbone of the ODI team despite recent struggles in the shortest format.
Comprehensive Balance with Shivam Dube and Axar Patel
To strengthen the balance of the team, Karthik opted for Shivam Dube and Axar Patel like the two off-roaders. Dube’s powerful knock in the middle order gives India an additional attacking option, while his medium pace offers a useful sixth bowling option. Meanwhile, Axar brings reliability with both bat and ball and has emerged as one of India’s most reliable players in white-ball cricket in recent years.
The combination also provides flexibility, allowing India to adapt to different match situations without compromising batting depth or bowling variety. Karthik’s XI reflects a preference for a balanced lineup capable of handling English conditions, where seam movement early on and spin in the middle can influence the outcome.
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Jasprit Bumrah to lead potent bowling attack
Karthik’s bowling attack combines proven winners with young and exciting talent. Jasprit Bumrah returns to spearhead the pace attack after being rested during the T20I series, with left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh providing support with the new ball. One of the notable selections is young fast bowler Prince Yadav, who continues to gain support following his impressive rise in domestic cricket. His inclusion alongside Bumrah and Arshdeep adds freshness to the Indian pace unit.
Kuldeep Yadav is Karthik’s preferred frontline spinner and the wrist spinner is expected to play a key role during the overs by breaking partnerships and controlling the scoring rate.
Dinesh Karthik’s India playing XI for the first ODI: Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Prince Yadav, Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah
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