Jasprit Bumrah is making a comeback to India’s ODI squad after a long wait of 968 days, which all started after the heartbreaking loss to Australia in the 2023 World Cup final in Ahmedabad on November 19, 2023. During this time, India played 26 ODIs without their star fast bowler, as the team management was careful to manage his workload across different formats. This strategy was all about keeping Bumrah fresh for the big moments, and he truly shone when it counted. He played a crucial role in India’s T20 World Cup triumphs in 2024 and 2026, establishing himself as the team’s key match-winner with the ball on the grandest stages.
The England series is a significant milestone for Bumrah as he embarks on his journey toward the 2027 ODI World Cup. He’s making his comeback in conditions where he has historically thrived, boasting an impressive tally of 30 ODI wickets in England and 22 wickets in just eight matches against the English team. In Birmingham, India is teaming him up with Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar.
Senior Players Return As India Search For ODI Reset
Bumrah isn’t the only seasoned player making a comeback to the ODI squad. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are also rejoining the team after a tough white-ball tour, where India faced setbacks, losing the T20I series to Ireland and taking a heavy hit against England. Their return adds valuable experience at the top of the order, teaming up with captain Shubman Gill and KL Rahul.
The Indian management sees the ODIs against England as a chance to regain some momentum as they gear up for the World Cup cycle. Kohli and Rohit remain key players in this strategy, while Gill has recently mentioned that he’s been in talks with the senior players about future combinations and how to balance the squad for the 2027 tournament.
On the other hand, England steps into the series with a boost of confidence after their success in T20s, even though they haven’t played ODI cricket since January. The hosts will be counting on the likes of Joe Root, Jos Buttler, Harry Brook, and Jacob Bethell as they transition back to the 50-over format.
England (Playing XI): Jacob Bethell, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (C), Jos Buttler (WK), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jofra Archer, Liam Dawson, Josh Tongue, Adil Rashid
India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (C), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Gurnoor Brar, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna.
