India and England are all set to renew their rivalry in the 50-over format as the first ODI of the three-match series takes place in Birmingham on July 14. With several established stars returning to the ODI setup alongside a few emerging talents, team selection has become one of the biggest talking points ahead of the series opener.
As discussions continue over India’s ideal combination in English conditions, former India all-rounder Abhishek Nayar has shared the playing XI he believes gives the visitors the best chance of starting the series on a winning note. His lineup blends experienced campaigners with exciting youngsters while placing emphasis on balance in both the batting and bowling departments.
Abhishek Nayar reveals his India XI for first ODI
Nayar has opted for a settled batting lineup while making a few interesting selection calls in the bowling department. His preferred XI backs India’s experienced core but also includes emerging left-arm pacer Gurnoor Brar, who gets the nod ahead of Gujarat Titans fast bowler Prasidh Krishna. Another notable omission is Washington Sundar, with Nayar preferring Shivam Dube’s seam-bowling ability and Kuldeep Yadav’s wrist spin.
India’s experienced top four remain unchanged
Nayar has retained India’s tried-and-tested top order, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill opening the batting. Virat Kohli slots in at No. 3, while vice-captain Shreyas Iyer takes the No. 4 position. For the middle order, Nayar prefers a flexible approach. He believes KL Rahul and Axar Patel can switch positions depending on the match situation, while Dube adds another dimension as a left-handed batter capable of contributing with the ball.
Gurnoor Brar gets the nod over Prasidh Krishna
One of the biggest talking points in Nayar’s XI is the inclusion of young left-arm pacer Gurnoor ahead of Prasidh. He also picked Kuldeep Yadav over Sundar, believing the wrist-spinner offers a greater wicket-taking threat in English conditions. According to Nayar, Brar possesses the pace, bounce and all-round ability that make him an exciting long-term prospect, while Dube’s seam bowling provides India with additional balance in the playing XI.
Jasprit Bumrah’s return gives India a massive boost
Nayar also emphasized the importance of Jasprit Bumrah’s return to India’s ODI setup, describing the pace spearhead as a nightmare for opposition teams. Drawing from his own experience in the IPL, Nayar explained that opponents often plan their innings around simply surviving Bumrah’s spell, which automatically makes the rest of the bowling attack more effective.
He further added that Bumrah’s presence would also benefit fellow left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, as batters would be under constant pressure from both ends. Nayar believes India’s coaching staff, including Gautam Gambhir and Morne Morkel, along with captain Gill, would be delighted to have the premier fast bowler back leading the attack.
Abhishek Nayar’s India XI for the first ODI against England: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Gurnoor Brar, Arshdeep Singh.
