India opens ODI series vs England in Birmingham on July 14

India will begin a three-match One-Day International series against England at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, marking a significant reset for the visitors following a 4-0 defeat in the preceding T20I leg of their tour. The series opener sees the return of several senior Indian stars, including Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah, and serves as an early step in preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Captain Shubman Gill confirmed that Kohli and Sharma remain central to the team's long-term strategy, describing them as the backbone of the Indian batting lineup for the past decade. Gill revealed he recently held detailed discussions with Kohli about squad planning for the 2027 tournament in South Africa, focusing on team combinations and identifying future players. He emphasized the indispensable value of their experience, particularly in pressure situations.

Kohli is set to return to international cricket after a six-month absence, having last played for India in January 2026. His return adds considerable firepower to an Indian lineup that also welcomes back Sharma, Bumrah, and KL Rahul, who were rested for the T20I series. The series presents Kohli...