![India vs England: ODI Series Kicks Off in Nagpur](https://spoorts-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/upload/photos/2025/02/sp_image_1738819836.jpg)
Key players for India include captain Rohit Sharma and star batsman Virat Kohli, both of whom are under scrutiny following their recent struggles in Test matches. However, their impressive ODI records provide hope for Indian fans as they seek to end a twelve-year trophy drought in this format. Rohit and Kohli have returned to the ODI setup after stepping back from T20 internationals, and their performance will be crucial for India`s success.
On the England side, Joe Root makes his return to the ODI team after a significant hiatus, taking up the number three batting position where he has previously excelled. His experience is expected to bolster England`s middle order, especially in spin-friendly conditions. England`s wicketkeeper Jamie Smith is sidelined for the first two ODIs due to a calf injury, with either Jos Buttler or Phil Salt likely to don the gloves. Additionally, Jofra Archer`s fitness is being managed, and he is anticipated to play in only two of the three ODIs, with Saqib Mahmood stepping in for the first match.
The England lineup for the first ODI features Phil Salt (wk), Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c), Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, and Saqib Mahmood. After a lackluster performance against India`s spinners in the T20 series, England is eager to improve their batting in the 50-over format. This series serves as a critical test for England`s powerplay bowling and their ability to counter Indian spin.
As the match unfolds, both teams are keen to address their weaknesses and fine-tune their strategies ahead of the Champions Trophy.
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