As attention turns to white-ball cricket, the two giants of the format — Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli — will be eager to return to top form during the three-match ODI series against England. This series marks the beginning of India’s final preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy, set to commence on February 19.

After making much-anticipated yet unsatisfactory performances in the Ranji Trophy last month, both players are seeking to showcase their prowess in a format they have historically excelled in. Kohli and Rohit were the leading run-scorers in the 2023 World Cup, with Kohli amassing 765 runs and Rohit contributing 597 runs.

Since the World Cup, where India faltered in the final after remaining undefeated throughout the tournament, both players have only participated in a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. In that series, Rohit managed to score two fifties, while Kohli struggled for runs.

Recent performances in red-ball cricket have been challenging for both, and in the past three months, there has been increasing speculation regarding their future in the sport.

The ODI series against England serves as India’s only opportunity for preparation ahead of the Champions Trophy, which will take place in Pakistan and Dubai starting February 19. For these two experienced players, the tournament could be pivotal, especially considering they have already stepped back from T20 Internationals.

Beyond the form of these two icons, the team is grappling with a few other concerns, notably the decision on the wicketkeeper-batter role between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant.

With Rohit and his deputy, Shubman Gill, anticipating to open the batting order, and Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and Hardik Pandya to follow, the wicketkeeper-batter is likely to come in at number five.

Rahul, who filled in as wicketkeeper during Pant’s absence in the 2023 World Cup, performed well with 452 runs, establishing himself as a reliable middle-order option. Meanwhile, left-handed Pant adds a different dynamic to India’s predominantly right-handed batting lineup.

Though the management could select both players, it may come at the cost of Iyer’s spot, who, despite a lackluster performance in the Sri Lanka series, has been a significant contributor in domestic cricket.

Big test for Shami

This series will also gauge the fitness of experienced pacer Mohammed Shami and wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, both of whom have dealt with injuries and could play crucial roles in India’s Champions Trophy success.

Shami recently participated in two T20Is against England, while Kuldeep has not played for India since the first Test against New Zealand in October.

With pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah excluded from the 16-member squad against England, although still part of the Champions Trophy squad, Shami will be expected to lead the bowling attack alongside left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh.

In-form mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy is anticipated to make his debut, strengthening his case for inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad. He made an impact during the T20Is against England and impressed against Bangladesh last October.

The management faces multiple choices regarding the spin all-rounder position, with Ravindra Jadeja (who hasn’t featured in an ODI since the 2023 World Cup final), Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar all potential candidates, adding complexity to their selection process.

England, meanwhile, will aim to address their deficiencies and put forth a stronger challenge. Joe Root is the only addition to a batting lineup that largely mirrored the one that struggled in the T20Is. Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith may miss the first two ODIs due to a calf injury.

Squads:

India: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy

England: Jos Buttler (c), Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Philip Salt, Jamie Smith, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Saqib Mahmood, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood