New Delhi. The Indian cricket team has finally tasted its first victory on the ongoing tour of England. After suffering a crushing defeat of 0-4 in the five-match T20 International series, the Indian team made a strong comeback in the very first match of the ODI series. In the first ODI match played on Tuesday at Edgbaston ground in Birmingham, India defeated host England by six wickets and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The biggest feature of this match was the return of the Indian team’s legendary batsmen Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Apart from this, star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was also seen in action on the field for the first time after IPL 2026.
After the 2023 ODI World Cup final, Jasprit Bumrah came to play in this format for the first time. As soon as he entered the field, Bumrah proved with his sharp bowling why he is still one of the most dangerous bowlers in the world. He bowled very tightly in his quota of 9 overs and conceded only 31 runs. Bumrah gave a big blow to the host team by dismissing England captain Harry Brook on a personal score of just 1 run.
The second ODI between India and England will be played on Thursday.
However, while on one hand Bumrah impressed with the ball, on the other hand this match was very disappointing for experienced batsmen Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Amid reports of BCCI keeping a close eye on Rohit Sharma’s performance keeping the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind, the former captain returned to the pavilion after scoring just 11 runs (21 balls). At the same time, Virat Kohli, who was out of the Afghanistan series due to injury, also could not stay at the crease for long. He could face only six balls and was out LBW after scoring 5 runs on the ball of Joffra Archer.
Shubman Gill’s captaincy innings and all-rounders’ brilliance
After the initial setbacks, the regular captain of the Indian team, Shubman Gill took charge and continued his excellent form. Taking notice of England’s bowlers, Gill played an excellent innings of 80 runs in 75 balls. All-rounders Akshar Patel and Washington Sundar also played an important role in taking India to the threshold of victory. Both the batsmen played intelligently and scored unbeaten half-centuries, due to which India easily achieved the target of 269 runs given by England.
Shubman Gill and Gurnoor Brar got injured
Despite this spectacular victory, a big concern has arisen for the Indian camp. During the 26th over of the innings, captain Shubman Gill was seen holding his right leg muscles (hamstring). He was seen in a lot of pain, after which he had to retire hurt and leave the field at the score of 80 runs. Washington Sundar came to bat in his place. Before Gill, fast bowler Gurnoor Brar was also out due to injury in the middle of the match. In the 48th over of England’s innings, Gurnoor was taking the run-up of his bowling, when suddenly he stopped and due to pain, the team physio had to be called on the field. Gurnoor had to leave the field, after which Shubman Gill handed the ball to Akshar Patel to bowl the remaining balls of the over.
Possible changes and team combinations for the second ODI
No official statement has yet come from BCCI regarding the fitness of the injured players. Since there is a difference of only one day between the two matches, if Gill and Gurnoor are not fit in time, then India may have to make major changes in the playing eleven of the second ODI. If Shubman Gill sits out of the second match, then Ishan Kishan can be recalled to open the innings with Rohit Sharma in his absence. In such a situation, the responsibility of captaincy can be handed over to middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer. On the other hand, if fast bowler Gurnoor Brar is not match fit, then the team’s doors may open for left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh or young Prince Yadav.
India’s probable playing eleven for the second ODI is as follows:
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill or Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Washington Sundar, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Axar Patel, Shivam Dubey, Gurnoor Brar/Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna.
