NEW DELHI: Team India enters the final phase of their Champions Trophy preparations with the three-match ODI series against England starting on Thursday, as the team looks to address the form and fitness of key players. The focus is on finding the right balance in the lineup, particularly for certain positions. Captain Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli have been under intense scrutiny following their struggles in red-ball cricket.
Both players, who had disappointing stints in the Ranji Trophy last month, are now aiming for strong performances in a format where they’ve long been dominant. Kohli was the top run-scorer of the 2023 World Cup with 765 runs, while Rohit scored 597.

However, since India’s heart-wrenching defeat in the World Cup final, after an unbeaten run, the two have only featured in a three-match ODI series loss to Sri Lanka, where Rohit made two fifties but Kohli struggled.

Their slump continued in Test cricket, and in the past three months, there has been growing debate over their future in the team.

The England ODI series marks India’s final warm-up before the Champions Trophy, scheduled in Pakistan and Dubai from February 19. This eight-team competition could prove pivotal for both Rohit and Kohli, especially as they have already retired from T20 internationals.

When will the India vs England 1st ODI be played?
The first ODI between India and England will take place on Thursday, February 6.
Where will the India vs England 1st ODI be played?
The first ODI between India and England will be held at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur.
At what time will the India vs England 1st ODI start?
The first ODI between India and England will begin at 1:30 PM IST.

When will the toss for the IND vs ENG 1st ODI take place?
The toss for the first ODI between India and England will take place at 1:00 PM IST.
When and where to watch the IND vs ENG 1st ODI live on TV?
The first ODI between India and England will be aired LIVE on the Star Sports Network from 1:30 PM IST.
When and where to watch the live stream of the IND vs ENG 1st ODI?
The first ODI between India and England will be streamed LIVE on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website from 1:30 PM IST.
Where to follow the IND vs ENG 1st ODI live online?
Follow all the action from the first ODI between India and England on TimesofIndia.com.