but captain Shubman Gill Emphasizing that this is a new format, a new day and a chance to reset. He also acknowledged the importance of this series because the World Cup is just 15 months away.“It’s very different. Our mindset is that the combination for our World Cup preparation and the wickets we will get in South Africa will be similar to what we will play here. So, we will try to find a combination that works for us. In that sense, this is a very important series for us,” Gill said on the eve of the opening three-match ODI series.Talking about the combination, it will not be an easy task for coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Gill. All-rounders Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana are all unavailable due to injuries. Although Prince Yadav has been brought as a replacement for Rana, he may have to sit out. One of Gurnoor Brar, who has looked impressive during the three days of practice, or Prasidh Krishna could come into the XI. There will also be a tough challenge between Shivam Dubey and Washington Sundar.

Team India is training at Edgbaston ahead of its first ODI against England. (Photo Courtesy: Tanuj Lakhina)

If the Nets are any indication, Dubey bowled under bowling coach Morne Morkel on the main ground. Later, Rohit Sharma chatted with the 33-year-old and was seen giving some much-needed guidance to the player who has played only four matches since his debut in 2019.Gill admitted that the need to keep changing combinations has become frustrating.“Players love it [Rana and Reddy]He said, “We wanted them to play as many matches as possible before the World Cup so that if they get a chance to play in the World Cup, they feel satisfied.” “So in that sense we are a bit unfortunate because now that he has been injured, we need to try another combination. The playing XI or XII that we wanted to field before the series is no longer possible. In that sense, we are forced to make some changes, but it is not an unstable XI.

“Obviously, we wanted the players to gain more experience in big series like the England and New Zealand series later this year. The more opportunities the players get in high-pressure matches, the better chance they have to perform well going forward.”Virat, Rohit and Bumrah boosted India’s morale!Due to the disappointing results, it is a pressure-cooker situation for the youngsters in the team. It helps that he is supported by Virat Kohli, who has played 311 ODIs, Rohit Sharma (285) and Jasprit Bumrah (89).

Virat Kohli is training at the Edgbaston cricket ground ahead of India’s first ODI against England. (Photo Courtesy: Tanuj Lakhina)

There is an added layer of intrigue surrounding these three. Kohli returned for the first time since the IPL final after missing the ODI match against Afghanistan due to a hamstring injury. Rohit arrived in England, where he has an excellent ODI record, averaging 64.9 in the country, which increased to 89.4 at Edgbaston. Meanwhile, Bumrah, playing his first ODI after the 2023 World Cup, ending a gap of 968 days, will be one to watch.When both teams face each other, a streak ends. India has defeated England in five consecutive ODIs, winning by huge margins of 100 and 142 runs during a series starting in July 2022. Meanwhile, England have won seven consecutive ODIs at Edgbaston since June 2015. That series included a 210-run win against New Zealand, a 10-wicket win against Sri Lanka, an eight-wicket win against Australia and an emphatic 238-run win against the West Indies.For India, this series is less about the final result and more about identifying the right team combination for next year’s ODI World Cup. The opening day of the road to the 2027 ODI World Cup begins at Edgbaston. Are Gill and Co. ready?