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India have welcomed back two of their biggest match-winners, with Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah named in the ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against England. While Bumrah returns after a planned workload break, Kohli’s inclusion remains subject to fitness clearance following the hamstring injury that sidelined him during the ODI series against Afghanistan.
The squad announcement reflects India’s continued focus on building a settled combination for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, blending experienced campaigners with emerging talent. The return of Harshit Rana and Axar Patel also highlights the selectors’ intent to strengthen both the pace and spin departments ahead of a challenging overseas assignment.
Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli and Harshit Rana headline key changes
Bumrah was rested for the one-off Test and ODI series against Afghanistan as part of the BCCI’s workload management strategy, allowing the premier fast bowler additional recovery time after a demanding schedule. His return significantly boosts India’s bowling attack for the England conditions.
Kohli, meanwhile, missed the Afghanistan series after sustaining a hamstring injury during the IPL 2026 final. His availability for the England tour will depend on medical clearance, but his selection signals confidence in his recovery. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who stepped in during Kohli’s absence against Afghanistan, has not been retained in the ODI squad.
One of the notable comebacks is that of Harshit. The young pacer impressed during India’s series against New Zealand earlier this year before suffering a serious right knee lateral meniscus injury that required surgery. The setback forced him to miss both the T20 World Cup and the IPL season, but after recently rejoining the squad for the final ODI against Afghanistan, he has now earned a place for the England series.
Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja remain unavailable
India have also recalled Axar, replacing Harsh Dubey in the ODI setup. Axar has been on the fringes of the format despite remaining a valuable all-round option and now gets another opportunity to stake his claim.
However, there is still no return for Ravindra Jadeja, with Washington Sundar continuing as the preferred spin-bowling all-rounder. Hardik Pandya also remains unavailable after suffering another setback during his rehabilitation. The all-rounder had struggled with back spasms during the IPL before reportedly picking up an additional leg injury, delaying his comeback to international cricket.
Young left-arm seamer Gurnoor Brar has retained his place following an encouraging debut series against Afghanistan, while Prince Yadav makes way for the returning Harshit.
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India’s ODI squad for England tour: Shubman Gill (c), with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar.
Separately, the BCCI confirmed that Varun Chakaravarthy remains in the final stages of rehabilitation for a left foot injury sustained during IPL 2026 and will miss the upcoming T20I series against Ireland. India will begin that leg with two matches in Ireland before starting a five-match T20I series in England on July 1, followed by the ODI fixtures in Birmingham, Cardiff and at Lord’s in London later in the month.
India’s T20I squad for Ireland and England tour (updated): Shreyas Iyer (c), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma (vc), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Prasidh Krishna.
Also READ: India complete 3-0 clean sweep with commanding nine-wicket win over Afghanistan in 3rd ODI
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: crickettimes.com
