India Names ODI Squad for England Tour; Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah Return
Shubman Gill will captain Indiaβs 15-member ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against England, with senior batter Virat Kohli and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah returning to the international setup. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) finalized the selection on Sunday, blending veteran experience with rising stars to bolster the lineup.
Key Highlights
- Shubman Gill has been appointed captain for the three-match ODI tour of England.
- Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah return to the 50-over squad following fitness and workload management.
- Shreyas Iyer assumes the role of vice-captain, providing stability in the middle order.
- Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has been omitted from the squad despite a strong performance in recent ODIs.
The return of Kohli and Bumrah significantly strengthens the Indian side ahead of their demanding campaign in English conditions. Kohli had previously missed the ODI series against Afghanistan due to an injury, while Bumrah returns to the fold after the selectors prioritized his workload management in previous assignments.
Gill, who has increasingly taken on leadership duties during recent tours, will steer the team through the series. The selection committee has reinforced the middle order by appointing Shreyas Iyer as vice-captain, balancing the squad’s leadership structure. The roster includes established stars Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, alongside promising talents who have demonstrated consistency in recent outings.
The decision to omit young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal sparked discussion among cricket observers. Jaiswal had capitalized on Kohliβs absence by scoring a century in the final ODI against Afghanistan, drawing significant praise. Despite this breakthrough, the return of senior players has resulted in his exclusion from the squad for the England series.
Indiaβs bowling unit sees a substantial upgrade with the reintroduction of Bumrah. The fast bowler is anticipated to headline the pace attack in English conditions, supported by a depth of options including Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana. Spin duties will be shared among Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar.
The series is set to commence on July 14, with matches scheduled at Edgbaston, Sophia Gardens, and Lordβs. This tour serves as a vital preparation phase for the Indian team as they evaluate their squad combinations ahead of upcoming international commitments.
| Player Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Shubman Gill | Captain |
| Shreyas Iyer | Vice-Captain |
| Rohit Sharma | Batter |
| Virat Kohli | Batter |
| KL Rahul | Batter |
| Ishan Kishan | Wicket-keeper/Batter |
| Washington Sundar | All-rounder |
| Axar Patel | All-rounder |
| Nitish Kumar Reddy | All-rounder |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Spinner |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Pacer |
| Prasidh Krishna | Pacer |
| Harshit Rana | Pacer |
| Arshdeep Singh | Pacer |
| Gurnoor Brar | Pacer |
Future Outlook and Career Context
The return of Virat Kohli to the ODI setup follows a period of speculation regarding his international future. Although the 37-year-old confirmed in May 2025 that he has retired from Test cricket, he maintains a focus on the 2027 ODI World Cup. Kohli finished his Test career with a notable 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, accumulating 30 centuries and 31 fifties. The significance of the 9,230 figureβmatching the price of his One8 footwearβbriefly fueled fan rumors about a potential return, which Kohli subsequently clarified as definitive, stating, “I’m done with it.”
Kohli has already retired from T20Is as of 2024, narrowing his focus strictly to the 50-over format. In 311 ODIs, he has amassed 14,797 runs at an average of 58.71, featuring 54 centuries and 77 fifties. Regarding his motivation to continue, Kohli noted on a recent podcast that his dedication to fitness and the game remains a core part of his daily life, rather than merely a professional obligation. He emphasized that as long as he can contribute value to the team and feels the desire to compete, he will remain available for selection, prioritizing his love for the sport over the need to prove his worth to critics.
FAQs
When does Indiaβs ODI series against England begin?
The three-match ODI series between India and England is scheduled to start on July 14.
Who is the captain of the Indian ODI squad for the England series?
Shubman Gill has been named the captain of the Indian team for this tour.
Is Virat Kohli playing Test cricket again?
No, Virat Kohli has confirmed he is finished with Test cricket. He announced his retirement from the format in May 2025 and has clarified that he has no intention of returning to the longest format.
Why was Yashasvi Jaiswal left out of the squad?
Yashasvi Jaiswal was omitted from the squad following the return of senior players, specifically Virat Kohli, who resumed his position in the middle order. The selectors opted for a balance of experience in the current squad.
What is Virat Kohli’s long-term goal in international cricket?
Virat Kohli is focused on the 2027 ODI World Cup. He continues to play ODIs for India, maintaining his fitness and form with the intent to contribute to the national team in that specific format.
