The possibility of India participating in a practice match in Dubai remains unclear; however, the upcoming three-match ODI series against England, commencing on Thursday, will serve as their last opportunity for preparation ahead of the Champions Trophy. This series holds particular significance as India has not engaged in an ODI series since August, during which they suffered a 0-2 defeat to Sri Lanka, despite fielding a full-strength team. Additionally, this series marks Gautam Gambhir's inaugural assignment as head coach for the ODI format. Consequently, the team faces critical questions that need to be addressed during the England ODI series prior to their departure for the UAE next week.

All eyes on Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli

India's two most experienced batters face significant pressure as they grapple with a lack of form, which has led to discussions regarding their potential retirement. Despite their recent struggles in red-ball cricket, including a disappointing performance in the Ranji Trophy last month, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli last participated in One Day Internationals during the Sri Lanka tour in August. In that series, the Indian captain accumulated 157 runs across three innings at a strike rate of 141.44, while Kohli's performance was less impressive, managing only 58 runs in three matches. Nevertheless, both players excelled during the 2023 ODI World Cup, with Kohli emerging as the tournament's leading run-scorer, amassing 765 runs at an average of 95.62.

Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav's fitness

India has selected five additional bowlers alongside the three spin-bowling all-rounders, with two of these bowlers returning from injuries.

Mohammed Shami, who last participated in an ODI during the World Cup final in November 2023, played in the recent T20I series against England. However, he has yet to demonstrate his ability to bowl a full quota of 10 overs. It is noteworthy that he competed in three List A matches for Bengal earlier last month, where he took four wickets after reportedly recovering from a separate knee injury sustained during the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament.

Kuldeep Yadav, who was included in the Sri Lanka ODI series, has been sidelined since October due to sports hernia surgery. Nevertheless, he made a return in Uttar Pradesh's Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh, where he claimed three wickets.

Can India cope without Jasprit Bumrah?

Selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar previously indicated in January that Jasprit Bumrah, who sustained a back injury during the Sydney Test against Australia in the first week of the year, would be absent for the initial two One Day Internationals of the series against England. Nevertheless, his name was conspicuously absent from the updated squad list issued by the BCCI on Tuesday, which included the addition of spinner Varun Chakaravarthy.

With ambiguity surrounding Bumrah's return timeline and his potential inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad, attention will be focused on India's performance in the absence of their premier bowler. This situation places significant responsibility on Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh within the pace attack. Additionally, it will be interesting to observe whether uncapped Harshit Rana, who is reportedly a candidate to replace Bumrah should he be unable to participate in the ICC tournament, will receive an opportunity during the series.

KL Rahul vs Rishabh Pant

In terms of the batting lineup, India has only one question to resolve concerning their combination. During the 2023 ODI World Cup, KL Rahul assumed the role of wicketkeeper-batter in the absence of Pant, who was still recuperating from injuries sustained in a car accident in December 2022. Rahul excelled in a vital middle-order position, amassing 452 runs in 10 innings at an impressive average of 75.33, which included one century and two half-centuries.

Although both Rahul and Pant were selected for the ODI series against Sri Lanka last year, Rahul participated in two matches, scoring 31 and 0, while Pant played in the final match, contributing six runs.

Should Pant be excluded, India's top six would lack a left-handed batsman. Nevertheless, this absence did not hinder the team's performance during their journey to the 2023 World Cup final.

Ravindra Jadeja still the No. 1 spin all-rounder?

Jadeja's reputation as an all-rounder in One Day Internationals has experienced a significant decline. Since 2022, he has accumulated 345 runs across 19 innings, achieving a strike rate of 73.24, yet he has not managed to score a half-century. Additionally, he has taken 32 wickets in 25 innings, with an average of 28.50. His omission from the Sri Lanka tour was notable, as Axar Patel and Washington Sundar were selected instead. During the tour, Patel claimed four wickets at an economy rate of 3.86, while Sundar secured five wickets with an economy of 3.88.

Similar to Jadeja, both Patel and Sundar are left-handed batsmen; however, Axar also bowls left-handed, whereas Sundar is a right-arm off-spinner.

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