India vs England: Key Challenges for Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir

India’s key players face scrutiny over form and fitness as the team enters the final phase of Champions Trophy preparations. The three-match ODI series against England, starting Thursday in Nagpur, will be crucial in finalizing the optimal squad.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, after disappointing performances in Test matches, are eager to regain form. They were standout performers in the 2023 World Cup, where Kohli amassed 765 runs and Sharma 597. However, after losing the final, India suffered a three-match series defeat to Sri Lanka. Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav are returning from injuries, while Varun Chakravarthy could make his debut.

England, looking to bounce back from losses to Australia and the West Indies, welcomes Joe Root into the squad. Meanwhile, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith will miss the first two matches due to injury.