Ex-India Star Predicts Playing XI vs England In 3rd ODI; Ignores This Southpaw

India faces a new challenge and crucial decision ahead of the third ODI of the three-match series against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. They have already taken an undefeated lead of 2-0 in the first two games.

The blue brigade will need to try most of the options ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which begins just over a week from now. However, the Indian side must also carry the winning momentum and rhythm into the event.

India displays all-rounder performance in Nagpur and Cuttack

During the first game of the series at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagur, England’s opening stand of Phil Salt and Ben Dukett put the home side under pressure with free-flowing batting. Jos Buttler and Jacob Bethell celebrated their half-centuries, but no visiting batter could stand long as they were bundled out for just 248 runs in 47.4 overs.

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The hosts lost their first two wickets early in the chase. But Shreyas Iyer pulled them back in the contest with an aggressive knock of 59 runs in 36 balls. Axar Patel also cracked 52 runs in 47 balls at number five at a strike rate of 110.64.

Shubman Gill, at number three, gave them solidity with 87 runs in 96 balls at a strike rate of 90.62, as they chased the target with four wickets in hand and more than 10 overs to spare.

The same story continued in the following encounter at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. Duckett and Joe Root notched up their respective fifties, but neither could manage the big score, as they finished on 304 runs in 49.5 overs.

The 136-run opening stand in 16.4 overs gave the blue brigade a strong platform. Opener and captain Rohit Sharma ended the dry form with 119 runs in 90 deliveries, shouldering on 12 boundaries and seven sixes. The home side hardly struggled to get the job down with four wickets in hand.

Sanjay Bangar backs the same playing eleven for Ahmedabad ODI

India’s former batting coach, Sanjay Bangar, is not prepared to make any changes to the winning Indian side. He stressed the importance of continuity and stability on the side.

Yashasvi Jaiswal featured in the Nagpur clash due to Virat Kohli’s last-minute injury, but with the veteran being fit for the second game, the left-handed opener missed out in Cuttack. The question remains whether he will get another chance in Ahmedabad.

“I don’t think Yashasvi Jaiswal needs to play. If there’s merit, you can play Arshdeep Singh or Rishabh Pant, but with only one match left, it might be better to continue with the current XI. KL Rahul has not had many chances to bat long, and his keeping has been solid. It’s important to trust him.” Bangar stated.

“Rohit Sharma’s innings and his partnership with Shubman Gill didn’t allow England to come back into the game. His intent made the match one-sided.” He added.

Suresh Raina sticks with India’s same combination for Ahmedabad

India’s former World Cup-winning all-rounder, Suresh Raina, has also highlighted the power of backing the same side. Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, and Arshdeep Singh are the two players yet to play a game in the series.

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“The captain and vice-captain led from the front. Rohit hit sixes in different areas, and I feel he should continue playing with the same intent in every match.” Raina expressed in the same discussion.

“Arshdeep might be an option if the team wants to rest Mohammad Shami, who hasn’t looked at his sharpest, but I would prefer to see the same team that has been doing well so far.” He opined.