India and England are poised to renew their rivalry in the 50‑over format, with the opening match of a three‑game series scheduled for July 14 in Birmingham. As several veteran players return to the ODI squad and promising new talents emerge, selecting the optimal lineup has become a major talking point ahead of the series opener.
Amid ongoing debate about India’s ideal combination for English conditions, former Indian all‑rounder Abhishek Nayar has presented a lineup he says offers the best chance for a winning start. The selection mixes seasoned veterans with promising youngsters and stresses balance across batting and bowling.
Abhishek Nayar Unveils His Predicted India XI for England’s First ODI
India’s experienced top four remain unchanged
Nayar has kept India’s proven top order intact, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill opening the innings. Virat Kohli comes in at number three, and vice‑captain Shreyas Iyer occupies position four. In the middle order, he adopts a flexible approach, suggesting that KL Rahul and Axar Patel may interchange depending on the situation, while Shivam Dube adds extra left‑handed batting firepower and can also contribute with the ball.
Gurnoor Brar gets the nod over Prasidh Krishna
A key highlight of Nayar’s lineup is the selection of young left‑arm pacer Gurnoor Brar over Prasidh Krishna. He also chose Kuldeep Yadav over Sundar, arguing that the wrist‑spinner is better suited to taking wickets in English conditions. Nayar notes that Brar’s pace, bounce and all‑round capabilities make him an exciting long‑term prospect, while Dube’s seam bowling adds balance to the squad.
Jasprit Bumrah’s return gives India a massive boost
Nayar also highlighted the significance of Jasprit Bumrah’s return to India’s ODI side, describing the fast bowler as a nightmare for opposing teams. Drawing on his IPL experience, he said that opponents typically structure their innings merely to survive Bumrah’s spell, which automatically strengthens the rest of the bowling attack.
He added that Bumrah’s presence would also relieve pressure on fellow left‑arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, as batters would face threats from both ends. Nayar believes India’s coaching contingent—Gautam Gambhir, Morne Morkel, and captain Gill—would be thrilled to have the premier fast bowler back leading the attack.
Abhishek Nayar’s India XI for the first ODI against England: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.
