July sees India travel to England for a multi-format white-ball tour, culminating in a three-match ODI series. The visitors have recently confirmed their 50-over squad as they make their final preparations for what should be a thrilling contest.
The games will also serve as vital preparation for next year’s World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. India, currently ranked as the best ODI team in the world, will be considered favourites, with England still going through something of a rebuild after series losses to South Africa and New Zealand in late 2025, despite a win against Sri Lanka in January.
In spite of the differences between the two teams, there are still a few questions surrounding India ahead of the series, and the eventual answers could well determine who emerges victorious.
How will Kohli perform after returning from injury?
Virat Kohli was unable to play in the 3-0 series win against Afghanistan in June, having suffered a hamstring injury during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s victory in the IPL final against the Gujarat Titans. But he looks set to return to the fold against England, provided that his fitness is cleared by the BCCI.
There’s no doubt that Kohli’s inclusion boosts India’s odds of victory in the series. Fans who want to back the team for success on English soil can use a 1xbet promo code India to place wagers. But the asterisk next to his name does bring uncertainty.
When fully fit, the 37-year-old is a bowler’s nightmare, but his lack of action might lead to him struggling against an England pace attack that will look to exploit any vulnerabilities. Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, and Rohit Sharma will all look to play on the front foot, but Kohli’s performances could be decisive.
Can Bumrah make his mark after T20 rest?
Fans were no doubt delighted to see veteran seamer Jasprit Bumrah included in the squad for the upcoming series, marking the first time he will be playing ODI cricket since November 2023. Few bowlers in world cricket strike fear into the hearts of batters more than the 32-year-old when he’s at his best – but will he be 100%?
Bumrah was not selected for the T20 series against England, a decision that was undoubtedly made to ensure he would be able to make a more meaningful impact in the longer format. Whether or not that will do the trick, though, remains to be seen, with him not at his best during the IPL season, where he took just four wickets.
Then there are questions regarding whether he will make a seamless transition back into the 50-over format after a three-year hiatus. There’s clearly a belief that Bumrah won’t have any issues. Now it’s up to him to repay that faith.
Which team’s spin bowlers will dominate in the middle-overs?
Although the seamers will have a big say on proceedings, how the spinners on both sides perform could dictate who walks away the victor. England’s recent heatwave, which could continue into July, will mean pitches are particularly dry, allowing wrist spinners to turn the ball to devilish effect.
Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel both enjoyed decent IPL seasons, taking 10 and 11 wickets apiece. Both spinners, along with Washington Sundar, will be trusted to capitalise on the conditions and deceive English batters in the middle overs. If they are punished, it could make for a tricky series. But if they are at their best, then India could dominate.
