After clinching the T20I series 4-1, India aims to carry forward the winning momentum as they take on England in the first ODI at the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium, Nagpur. With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 just around the corner, both teams will use this series as a key preparation phase.
Match Details
- Match: India vs England, 1st ODI, England Tour of India 2025
- Venue: VCA Stadium, Nagpur
- Date & Time: Thursday, February 6, 2 PM (IST)
- Live Broadcast & Streaming: Sports18/Star Sports Network, Disney+ Hotstar
Team Overviews
India:
India enters the ODI series in high spirits after dominating the T20Is. However, they will be without pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. The return of experienced players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will add strength to the batting lineup, while Mohammed Shami will look to prove his match fitness after recovering from injury.
Key Strengths:
- Strong batting lineup with a mix of experience and young talent.
- Versatile all-rounders like Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja.
- Spin attack featuring Jadeja and Washington Sundar, ideal for subcontinental conditions.
Concerns:
- Lack of Bumrah’s presence in the pace attack.
- Middle-order consistency remains a question.
England:
England will look to bounce back after a disappointing T20I series. Their squad includes a mix of experienced players like Joe Root and Jos Buttler, along with young talents. Adil Rashid remains their only specialist spinner, but Rehan Ahmed has been added to provide spin support. England will also miss wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith.
Key Strengths:
- Power-hitters like Phil Salt and Harry Brook can be dangerous in the top order.
- Pace attack featuring Jofra Archer and Mark Wood.
- Versatile all-rounders like Liam Livingstone.
Concerns:
- Lack of spin options in subcontinent conditions.
- Bowling attack yet to find consistency.
Head-To-Head Record
- Matches Played: 107
- India Won: 58
- England Won: 44
- Tied: 2
- No Result: 3
- First-ever Fixture: July 13, 1974
- Most Recent Fixture: October 29, 2023
Probable Playing XIs
India (IND):
Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav.
England (ENG):
Phil Salt (wk), Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (C), Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.
Vidarbha Cricket Association Pitch Report
The VCA Stadium in Nagpur is known for being a batting-friendly surface. Batters will enjoy the ball coming onto the bat, and a high-scoring game is expected. However, the large square boundaries will give spinners an opportunity to control the game, especially in the middle overs.
Pitch Characteristics:
- Flat track, favoring batters.
- Spinners may come into play later in the innings.
- Dew factor could impact bowling in the second innings.
Live Streaming
India:
- TV Channel: Sony Pictures Network (Specific channel to be announced)
- Live Streaming: SonyLIV app and website
Pakistan:
- TV Channel: Asports
- Live Streaming: Tamasha App, Tapmad
Probable Match Scenarios & Predictions
Scenario 1: India Wins the Toss & Bats First
- Powerplay Score: 50-60 runs
- Total Score: 300-320 runs
- Match Prediction: India wins
Scenario 2: England Wins the Toss & Bats First
- Powerplay Score: 40-50 runs
- Total Score: 280-300 runs
- Match Prediction: England wins
Probable Best Performers
Best Batter: Rohit Sharma
- Returning to ODIs after six months, Rohit Sharma will be eager to regain form ahead of the Champions Trophy.
Best Bowler: Mohammed Shami
- Making a comeback after injury, Shami’s ability to strike with the new ball and bowl tight death overs will be crucial.
Final Prediction:
India enters as favorites with a stronger and more balanced squad. However, if England’s pace attack clicks, they can cause problems. The toss and conditions will play a crucial role in determining the winner.
Predicted Winner: India (55%) – England (45%)
