Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are part of India’s squad for the three-match ODI series against England, which began on Tuesday, July 14, at Edgbaston in Birmingham. After suffering a disappointing 4-0 defeat in the T20I series, the Indian team entered the ODI series with the aim of making a strong comeback and regaining confidence in the 50-over format.
The series carries extra significance for India’s two experienced campaigners, Rohit and Kohli, as they look to secure their places in the team’s plans for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027. With preparations for the major tournament already underway, every ODI appearance provides both players with an opportunity to prove their consistency and fitness at the international level.
Virat Kohli entered the series after missing India’s previous ODI assignment against Afghanistan in June due to a hamstring injury. Before that setback, the former India captain was in excellent form during the ODI series against New Zealand in January. Kohli scored a century and a half-century across three matches, showing his ability to deliver match-winning performances in the format.
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma had mixed results in recent ODI outings. The Indian opener struggled against New Zealand but showed improvement in the ODI series against Afghanistan. After scoring only 16 runs in the first match, Rohit bounced back with innings of 48 and 79 in the remaining two games, providing signs of returning to form.
However, both senior batters were under pressure heading into the England series. Their age and the impressive performances of younger Indian players have increased competition for places in the squad. The likes of emerging talents have strengthened their claims, making consistent performances from Rohit and Kohli even more important.
Unfortunately for India, the opening ODI at Edgbaston did not go according to plan for the two veterans. Both Rohit and Kohli failed to make a significant impact, getting dismissed cheaply and missing the chance to provide stability at the top of the order. Their early departures added pressure on the middle order as India looked to recover in the series opener.
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Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Fail in 1st ENG vs IND ODI
This news update is based on reports from {espncricinfo}.
In the first ODI between England and India, the hosts posted a competitive total of 258 runs before being bowled out in the opening innings. England’s innings was built around impressive knocks from Joe Root and Liam Dawson, who scored unbeaten 76 and 68 runs respectively. Their contributions helped England recover after a difficult start and put a respectable total on the scoreboard.
Indian fast bowlers produced an excellent start with the ball, putting England under immense pressure early in the innings. Gurnoor Brar, Jasprit Bumrah, and Prasidh Krishna bowled with great discipline and accuracy, reducing England to 80/5 within the first 17 overs. The Indian pace attack took advantage of the conditions and kept the English batters struggling for runs.
However, England staged a strong comeback through a crucial seventh-wicket partnership between Root and Dawson. The duo added 121 runs together, rescuing the team from a dangerous position and helping England reach a fighting total. Their partnership shifted the momentum back in England’s favour and gave their bowlers something to defend.
With India needing only 259 runs for victory, the stage was set for experienced batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to dominate on English soil. The duo carried huge expectations and had a valuable opportunity to guide India home with their class and experience. However, both senior batters failed to make a significant impact in the run chase.
Rohit Sharma, who opened the innings alongside Shubman Gill, struggled to find his rhythm and scored just 11 runs from 21 deliveries. The Indian opener hit only one boundary before losing his wicket in the eighth over. Attempting to play a shot against Sam Curran, Rohit mistimed the delivery and was caught by Harry Brook at mid-off, ending his short stay at the crease.
Virat Kohli also could not capitalize on the opportunity and departed without playing a major role in the chase. Their early dismissals created some pressure on India, despite the relatively modest target. While India remained in a strong position, fans were left disappointed as two of the team’s biggest batting stars missed the chance to deliver match-winning performances.
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আর্চারের গতিতে কোহলির পতন
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ইংল্যান্ডের বিপক্ষে প্রথম ওয়ানডেতে বিরাট কোহলির ক্রিজে থাকাটা ছিল সংক্ষিপ্ত, কারণ ফাস্ট বোলার জোফ্রা আর্চারের বলে মাত্র পাঁচ রান করে তিনি আউট হন। মাত্র ছয়টি বল খেলে কোহলি একটি বাউন্ডারি মারার পর এলবিডব্লিউর শিকার হন। ভারতীয় এই ব্যাটসম্যান একটি ফ্লিক শট খেলার চেষ্টা করেন, কিন্তু ক্রিজের বাইরে বেশি সরে যাওয়ায় আর্চারের সোজা ডেলিভারিটি তিনি মিস করেন। বলটি স্টাম্পের সামনে তার ব্যাটে আঘাত করে এবং মাঠের আম্পায়ার আঙুল তোলেন। কোহলি রিভিউ না নেওয়ার সিদ্ধান্ত নেন এবং প্যাভিলিয়নে ফিরে যান, যা ভারতকে একটি কঠিন পরিস্থিতিতে ফেলে দেয়।