IND vs ENG 1st ODI Match Review, Pitch Report, Strongest Playing11s, Full Squads and All you need to know!
The much-anticipated India vs England ODI series kicked off at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur, marking India’s first home ODI since the heartbreak of the 2023 World Cup final.
This three-match series serves as both a redemption opportunity and a crucial preparatory ground for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. With both teams carrying different objectives, the opening encounter was bound to be an electrifying contest.
IND vs ENG 1st ODI Match Details
Series- England tour of India 2025
Match- IND vs ENG 1st ODI
Date- 06 Feb 2025
Time- 1:30 PM IST
Venue- Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur
IND vs ENG 1st ODI Match Review
India, led by Rohit Sharma, showcased their dominance in their return to the 50-over format. Despite England’s explosive batting lineup, the hosts maintained control for most of the match. The pitch, offering a bit of everything, saw the bowlers play a crucial role in shaping the game. While Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma provided stability, young guns like Shubman Gill and Arshdeep Singh ensured India's winning momentum.
England, on the other hand, struggled to find consistency. Joe Root’s return added much-needed stability, but their middle order was shaky against India’s disciplined spin attack. The lack of a settled ODI unit post-World Cup continued to haunt Jos Buttler’s side, making their chase an uphill task.
Key Players to Watch Out For
For India, the experience of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma remains invaluable, but the real game-changer could be Hardik Pandya. His ability to balance the side with both bat and ball is critical, especially with India seeking flexibility in their Champions Trophy plans. Kuldeep Yadav’s wrist spin could also be a deciding factor against England’s aggressive batters.
England’s hopes will rest on the seasoned shoulders of Joe Root and Jos Buttler, both of whom need to guide the younger players. Jofra Archer’s express pace and Adil Rashid’s spin are expected to be their main weapons in conditions that might favor India’s style of play.
IND vs ENG 1st ODI: Pitch Report
Nagpur’s surface traditionally supports batters, with an average first-innings score of 288. However, its tendency to slow down as the match progresses makes spin a crucial factor. With large outfield dimensions, stroke-making is rewarded, but aggressive batters need to pick their shots wisely. The presence of dew later in the evening makes chasing a preferable option, though recent trends show captains opting to bat first.
India’s Strongest Playing XI Prediction
With Champions Trophy preparations in mind, India would want to field their best XI in this series. A balanced combination could be:
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Shubman Gill (VC)
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul (WK)
- Hardik Pandya
- Ravindra Jadeja/Axar Patel
- Washington Sundar (for spin balance)
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Shami
- Arshdeep Singh
England’s announced XI for the Match
With Root back in the mix, England’s batting looks more structured, but their bowling attack will need to step up to challenge India in their own backyard. England, still searching for their ideal combination post-World Cup, could go with:
- Phil Salt (wk)
- Ben Duckett
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Jos Buttler (C)
- Liam Livingstone
- Jacob Bethell
- Brydon Carse
- Jofra Archer
- Adil Rashid
- Saqib Mahmood
The Objective
This series isn't just about a bilateral contest; it's about fine-tuning strategies ahead of the Champions Trophy. India, playing their first home ODI in 14 months, will want to rediscover their dominance, while England aims to rebuild confidence after a lackluster World Cup campaign. The clash of styles—India’s calculated aggression vs. England’s fearless brand of cricket—makes this series a perfect preview of what’s to come in global tournaments.
As the teams gear up for the second ODI, expect further adjustments, smarter strategies, and a battle that goes beyond just runs and wickets. With stakes high and pride on the line, this series is set to be a thrilling ride.