India is all set for white-ball series vs England, starting with the T20I series, followed by crucial 50-over clashes between these two top sides. This ODI series is extremely important for India before going into the Champions Trophy, as it will help assess how prepared the team is. India, which has done a pretty good job in white-ball cricket in the last few years, had excellent outings in the 2023 Asia Cup and the 50-over World Cup, and then in T20s as well, where they thumped everyone and won the T20 World Cup 2024. Recent games have also been good for India in the blue jersey, apart from the Sri Lanka ODI series.
Now, with many names coming up, whoever gets a chance in the England series will make their strong case for a spot in the Champions Trophy team. But who are some big players who could make their place in the squad for the ODI series against England? Since the announcement is still pending, there are quite a few quality players who could earn a spot in India’s ODI squad for the England series. Take a look at three quality names who could make it to the ODI squad of India.
Top players India may select for the ODI series vs England
Mohammed Shami
No one can forget how well Mohammed Shami did for India in white-ball cricket. In the last 50-over World Cup, he came as the highest wicket-taker, dethroning every batter. However, since that World Cup, he has been out of the camp due to an ankle injury. But in the last few months, he has consistently played many domestic games, and recently, his Vijay Hazare Trophy performance was decent.
He also impressed with the bat, coming down the order and making runs, with the bowl consistently clocking speeds of more than 135 km/h, showing how well he can still perform. The important reason for him to be included is that India needs strong wicket-takers. Not only in the England series but also in the upcoming Champions Trophy. We have seen how putting all the pressure on Jasprit Bumrah led to poor results for India.
India needs bowlers who can hunt in pairs. If Bumrah plays in the Champions Trophy, Shami, on the other hand, is needed. We can expect selectors to give Shami some game time in the England series before loading him for the Champions Trophy if he makes the cut.
Abhishek Sharma
There is talk about giving Abhishek Sharma a chance in the Champions Trophy team, although it looks difficult currently since the team already has many openers like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, along with Rohit Sharma.
However, the recent performances of Abhishek Sharma in the Vijay Hazare Trophy are making a strong case for his inclusion. This left-hander thumped every bowler in the recently held Vijay Hazare Trophy round games, scoring big runs of 93, 170, 66, 17, and 41, making 397 runs with an average of 141.8. This shows how well he performed in the 50-over competition. If not in the Champions Trophy 2025 team, the selectors can test him in the India vs England ODI series to see how he performs.
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Yashasvi Jaiswal did decently well in the recently held Australian tour and performed wonderfully for India in Test cricket. This young player now deserves a cap in ODIs as well. Unlike Abhishek Sharma, Jaiswal looks more confirmed for an ODI debut, and we may see him in the series against England, possibly after that as a backup opener to Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill.
Jaiswal is likely to get a chance to showcase his ability in the England series, and if he performs well, it will create a good headache for the team in deciding who to pair with Rohit Sharma as the opener. Whether it will be Gill or Jaiswal will make things interesting, but looking at the upcoming series against England, Jaiswal’s chances seem real.
