Rohit Sharma makes his ODI comeback for India on Tuesday as the hosts name their XI to face England at Edgbaston in the first of three ODIs on 15 July 2026.
What happened?
India named their probable XI for the series opener at Edgbaston, with Rohit Sharma returning alongside Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah after a dismal T20I leg. Shubman Gill, fresh from a Player of the Series show against Afghanistan, leads the side. The squad aims to bounce back after a 4-0 whitewash in the shortest format and the loss of India’s world No. 1 T20I ranking.
The return of the senior trio marks a clear shift in approach. Kohli missed the Afghanistan ODIs with a hamstring injury picked up in the IPL 2026 final, while Rohit played three ODIs against Afghanistan and made 143 runs. Gill, meanwhile, has back-to-back Player of the Series awards after his exploits in India and England’s 2025 tour.
Why it matters for Rohit Sharma
Rohit’s presence stabilises India’s top order after a shaky T20I campaign. He is expected to open with Gill, while Kohli bats at three and KL Rahul slots in at five. The batting lineup looks formidable on paper, but the bowling remains a question mark beyond Bumrah’s return.
India have won eight of their 12 ODIs at Edgbaston historically, but this time the surface and the English attack led by Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue will test the tourists. England named a strong side with Joe Root back in the top order and Harry Brook leading the hosts.
What comes next?
India’s first goal is a series win in England — their first SENA series victory as captain for Gill. The batting order has depth, with Shreyas Iyer at four and Washington Sundar, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav adding variety. But the bowling unit, still finding its feet outside the IPL, must deliver under pressure.
The series opener at Edgbaston starts at 13:00 BST on 15 July 2026. A win would give India momentum after a bruising T20I tour and restore pride before the next phase of home and away assignments.