After enduring a disappointing 4-0 whitewash in the T20I series, Team India will look to make a fresh start in the ODI format when they face England in the opening match of the three-game series at Edgbaston in Birmingham. With both teams beginning their preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has revealed the playing XI he believes should take the field in the series opener.
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 side, while veterans Rohit Sharma, 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 built around experience and stability. He backed Rohit and Gill to continue their successful opening partnership, with Kohli occupying the crucial No. 3 position.
Karthik also included Shreyas Iyer at No. 4, highlighting the right-hander’s ability to control the middle overs and accelerate when required. KL Rahul completed the specialist batting group, with the wicketkeeper-batter expected to provide both stability and finishing ability in the latter 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 side despite the recent struggles in the shortest format.
All-round balance with Shivam Dube and Axar Patel
To strengthen the balance of the side, Karthik opted for Shivam Dube and Axar Patel as the two all-rounders. Dube’s powerful hitting in the middle order gives India an additional attacking option, while his medium pace offers a useful sixth bowling choice. Axar, meanwhile, brings reliability with both bat and ball and has become one of India’s most dependable performers in white-ball cricket over the last few 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 overs can both influence the outcome.
Jasprit Bumrah to lead potent bowling attack
Karthik’s bowling attack combines proven match-winners with exciting young 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 earn backing following his impressive rise in domestic cricket. His inclusion alongside Bumrah and Arshdeep adds freshness to India’s pace unit.
Kuldeep Yadav is Karthik’s preferred frontline spinner, with the wrist-spinner expected to play a key role during the middle 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
