India vs England: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma not to be rested for ODI series; Prasidh Krishna, Krunal Pandya likely to be picked

The Indian side will take on England in a short three-match ODI series starting from 23rd March 2021. The second and third ODI matches will be played on 26th March and 28th March respectively. Also, all the ODI matches are slated to be played in the city of Pune. And now, we have some major news coming in regarding India’s ODI squad for the series against England.

First up, both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be in the squad, and will not be provided rest. The series might also see the return of pace bowler Mohammed Shami. Shami was struck on the wrist by a bouncer from Pat Cummins and has not been seen in action for India ever since. Jadeja, who suffered a dislocated thumb during the Test series against Australia, might remain on the sidelines for a few more weeks.

In fact, a BCCI source has confirmed the availability of both Kohli and Rohit Sharma for the ODI series against Eoin Morgan and his men. “Neither skipper Virat Kohli nor his deputy Rohit Sharma has opted for rest. There aren’t many surprises as we prepare for World T20,” said a BCCI official as quoted by the Times of India.

Also, Prasidh Krishna and Krunal Pandya might be added to the ODI squad. Krishna was impressive in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and picked up 14 wickets from 7 games at an average of 22.21. On the other hand, Krunal Pandya is a veteran of IPL cricket and has featured in 71 IPL matches.

Prithvi Shaw and Devdutt Padikkal unlikely to get a look in

Also, reports have stated that Prithvi Shaw and Devdutt Padikkal might not be included in the ODI squad for the series against England. In fact, this was also confirmed by a BCCI official as well.

“They have done exceedingly well but will have to wait for their turn,” said a BCCI official when asked whether Shaw and Padikkal would get a look in.

Both Shaw and Padikkal had performed exceedingly well in the Vijay Hazare trophy. While Shaw emerged as the leading run-scorer in the tournament and plundered 827 runs from 8 innings at an average of 165.40, Padikkal amassed 737 runs and scored them at an average of 147.40. Padikkal was also extremely impressive during the 2020 edition of the IPL as well.

Turning out for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) outfit, the 20-year-old scored 473 runs in the 13th IPL edition and even emerged as the leading run-scorer for the RCB side. The ODI series against England will be India’s last international assignment before the 14th edition of the IPL.