Indian cricket team would be booming with confidence after winning the T20I series by 4-1 against England. The ODI series commencing from 6th February at Nagpur promises to be an enthralling format. The star players Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma would be in action against a dejected English side. Ravindra Jadeja‘s electric fielding can change the complexion of the match and also he has the knack of wrapping up his overs quickly by bowling stump to stump and giving a bit extra air to the delivery.
England would be banking on the services of the eclectic Joe Root who is considered a tailor-made ODI batter. England’s batters were quite clueless against spinners in the T20I series. Joe Root had made his ODI debut against India in 2013 ODI series, in that series he was one of England’s highest-getters with 163 runs to his name and had struck 1 half-century in 4 innings. Joe Root’s experience can prove to be invaluable not only for batters but also for the duo of Brendon McCullum & Jos Buttler.
I won’t be surprised if Ravindra Jadeja doesn’t play Nagpur Match- Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra was seen speaking on his YouTube channel. Aakash Chopra stated that Ravindra Jadeja’s white ball stocks have gone down. Ravindra Jadeja had bid adieu to T20I cricket after T20 WC 2024 but for the Sri Lanka ODI series he wasn’t selected. Aakash Chopra made a bold statement that Ravindra Jadeja would not only miss out on 1st ODI playing 11 against England but also miss the cut for ICC CT 2025.
“I don’t know about hate but the white-ball stocks have gone down massively. The T20 World Cup was extremely middling. It wasn’t fantastic. He announced his retirement. Even in ODIs, he wasn’t picked for the Sri Lanka series and it was said that he had only been rested and that he is a very important member,” said Aakash Chopra.
“However, when the Champions Trophy team was announced, his name was in the 15th spot. I won’t be surprised if he doesn’t play the Nagpur match and his name might be dropped when the Champions Trophy team is announced. All these things were within the realms of possibility,” he added.
Uphill task for India
The batting stalwarts: Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma are under the pump for their below-par performance in BGT 2024-25. We all witnessed India’s spin weaknesses against Sri Lanka when the team lost the series by 2-0. However, the wicket at Nagpur is assumed to be a belter of a track as any score above 300 won’t be easy to chase.
England on the other side needs to pull up their socks. Head coach Brendon McCullum would be well aware of the fact that India will go in with more than 2 spinners and try to deceive the batters. It won’t be a bad idea if English batters’ step out and play aggressive cricket rather than sweeping the deliveries which is inviting a wicket.