Nagpur
The much-anticipated first One Day International (ODI) between India and England at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur had a surprising twist even before the match started. Virat Kohli was missing from the playing squad, raising questions among fans and experts alike. However, skipper Rohit Sharma soon put all doubts to rest, while India also handed debut caps to two young batters—marking an exciting new phase for the team.
Why is Virat Kohli Not Playing?
During the toss, Rohit Sharma confirmed that Virat Kohli has been rested for the first One Day International due to workload management. With a jam-packed cricketing calendar ahead—including the remaining matches of the England series, the five-match Test series, and the upcoming ICC tournaments—the team management decided to give Kohli a break.
“Virat has been playing continuous cricket for a while now. Considering the workload and crucial matches coming up, we decided it’s best to give him some rest. He will be back soon,” Rohit Sharma said before the match.
While Kohli’s absence was the talking point, India’s move to test their bench strength was another big development of the day.
New Faces in the Indian Squad: Sai Sudharsan & Rajat Patidar Make Their One Day International Debuts
With Kohli out, India welcomed two debutants into the team:
- Sai Sudharsan – The left-handed top-order batter, known for his elegant stroke play and calm temperament, has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket. His standout performances in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) played a huge role in earning him a national call-up.
- Rajat Patidar – An aggressive right-handed middle-order batter, Patidar has been knocking on the doors of international cricket for some time. His performances in the Ranji Trophy and List A matches have made him one of the most exciting prospects for India.
The Indian team management is clearly looking towards the future, building depth and providing international exposure to emerging talents.
England’s Challenge & India’s Strategy
On the other hand, England, with a full-strength squad, is ready to challenge India with their power-packed batting lineup and world-class pace attack. India, however, is relying on its strong bowling unit, led by Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Kuldeep Yadav, to control England’s aggressive approach.
With new faces, a fresh strategy, and a thrilling contest ahead, this One Day International series promises high-intensity action. India will be looking to start strong, while England will aim to take advantage of Kohli’s absence.
