IND vs ENG 2025: Why is Virat Kohli not playing 1st ODI against England? (Photo Source: Twitter/X)
Team India (IND) are locking horns with England (ENG) in the first ODI of the three-match series at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, in Nagpur, on February 06, 2025.
England skipper Jos Buttler called it correctly at the toss and opted to bat first. The hosts chose to go ahead with three pacers and an extra spin-bowling all-rounder for this game. However, the visitors lost the T20I series against India by 4-1.
On the other hand, India entered the fray with surprising news as star batter Virat Kohli was benched due to a knee issue he experienced last night. This is his first ODI absence since the 2023 Asia Cup against Bangladesh. Ahead of the match, Kohli and Rohit Sharma had an intense net session, with Rohit attacking aggressively and Kohli displaying his trademark drives.
Meanwhile, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Harshit Rana received their maiden ODI caps as India continued their pre-match preparations. India has opted for three spinners, and three pacers, including all-rounder Hardik Pandya.
“We wanted to bowl first, but it doesn’t matter a lot. Need to be aggressive with the ball at the start and then need to do well later. Nice to get some time off, it’s a fresh start and this is a great chance to do well. It’s very important to get some game time and try and maximize whatever opportunity we have. Jaiswal and Harshit are making his debut, unfortunately, Virat is not playing, he had a knee problem last night,” Rohit said at the toss.
On the other hand, England who announced their playing XI one day prior have not made many changes to their T20I line-up. The only boost the side has got is with the return of star batter Joe Root. The right-hand batter last played a 50-over match was back in the 2023 Cricket World Cup. With over 6500 runs, Root’s presence will bolster the English batting lineup. Meanwhile, the visitors won the toss and elected to bat first. While Rohit revealed that the hosts would have wanted to bowl first.
We will bat first today. Nice thing going in the dressing room, looking forward to these ODis and we’re happy to welcome back Joe Root. The morale has been good, everyone’s good and the Baz has looked after us well. We’re playing against a top side in their conditions, a tough test ahead of the CT. We’re playing 3 spacers and an extra spin-bowling all-rounder,” England skipper Jos Buttler said at the toss.
India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami.
England (Playing XI): Phil Salt (wk), Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c), Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Byrdon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood.
Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.
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