The anticipation for India’s upcoming ODI series against England reached fever pitch as cricketing giants, led by captain Rohit Sharma, made their way to Nagpur. The Men in Blue arrived at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium on February 2, 2025, with their sights set on the opening match scheduled for February 6. Fans and media alike were treated to a glimpse of the team as they disembarked at Mumbai airport, a few days before the much-anticipated three-match ODI series.

TEAM INDIA ARRIVES IN NAGPUR FOR THE ODI SERIES. pic.twitter.com/dmGouF0KWH

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 2, 2025

 

 

 

 

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Also Read: Abhishek Sharma's Highest Score For Team India To England's Biggest Ever T20I Defeat: Top 10 Records Broken In IND v ENG 5th T20 - In Pics

India's Big Names on the Move

Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal were among the star players spotted at Mumbai airport after attending the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) prestigious Naman Awards 2025. The players, though not winners at the event, turned heads with their star power and anticipation surrounding their upcoming ODI assignments. India’s squad looked sharp, exuding confidence ahead of the critical series against England, their last 50-over action before the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

The ODI Series: A Crucial Test Ahead of Champions Trophy

The upcoming ODI series holds great significance for India as they prepare for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. With limited opportunities to play ODI cricket in 2024, this three-match series against England is a golden chance for the team to fine-tune their preparations. The first match will be held in Nagpur on February 6, followed by the second at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on February 9, and the third in Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. India’s performance in these matches will provide crucial insights into their squad depth and combinations as they aim for another ICC title.

Star Performances and Key Insights

While the players enjoyed a night of celebration at the Naman Awards, it is their performances in the 50-over format that fans are eagerly awaiting. Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer have solidified their places in the ODI setup, with Rohit and Gill anchoring the top order, and Iyer excelling in the middle. The inclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal in this series marks an exciting development as he receives his first ODI call-up.

Rohit Sharma, reflecting on India’s victorious 2024 T20 World Cup campaign, shared his joy at the achievement. "It took a while for me to realize we’ve won the World Cup," he said, before acknowledging the delay in celebrations due to travel restrictions caused by a hurricane in Barbados. “When we finally arrived in Mumbai, that’s when it hit us how special it was.”

The Run-Up to the Series

India recently wrapped up a 4-1 series win over England in the T20I format, and the momentum from this victory will surely fuel their confidence ahead of the ODIs. With standout performances such as Abhishek Sharma’s scintillating century in the final T20I in Mumbai, India will aim to transition seamlessly into the 50-over format. The ODI series is the ideal platform for the team to regain rhythm, refine tactics, and bolster their bid for another ICC title.

The arrival of Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and other stalwarts in Nagpur added to the excitement. As the full squad prepares for the start of the series, the mood in the air is electric, with fans eagerly awaiting the opening match.