Rattled India Seek Solace in ODIs

Will a change in format result in a change in fortunes for India? The visitors head into the opening ODI against England in Birmingham looking for a fresh start after a torrid run in T20Is. Questions over the team's direction under Gautam Gambhir have resurfaced, but the 50-over format offers an opportunity to reset with a vastly different-looking squad.

The biggest boost is the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, whose presence transforms the batting order and dressing room. Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul and skipper Shubman Gill also return as India continues its march toward the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Brendon McCullum's side dominated the T20Is and will be eager to carry that momentum into the 50-over leg. Since the start of 2025, England have suffered series losses to India, South Africa and New Zealand and failed to reach the Champions Trophy semifinals.

For India, this opening game is about restoring confidence and reminding everyone why they remain one of the world's strongest white-ball outfits.

What: England vs India, 1st ODI
When: July 14, 2026 at 11 AM local time (3.30 PM IST)
Where: Edgbaston, Birmingham

What to expect: Clear skies expected. The last ODI here (May 2025) saw England hammer 400 and bowl West Indies out for 162.

England Confirmed XI: Jacob Bethell, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jofra Archer, Liam Dawson, Josh Tongue, Adil Rashid

India Probable XI: Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Jasprit Bumrah

India's biggest problem is the Hardik Pandya hole in the XI.

Key Stat: Since the start of the 2023 World Cup, only Zimbabwe have a lower ODI win percentage than England among full-member teams.

Shubman Gill: "If any team has an experienced lineup, then experience helps a lot in pressure situations. You get a sense of calmness when you're under pressure."