India vs England: Can Virat Kohli replicate Rohit Sharma’s brilliance in the 3rd ODI?
Introduction
As the battle between India and England in the 50-over format heats up, the spotlight is on India’s captain, Virat Kohli, to deliver a stellar performance akin to his teammate Rohit Sharma. After a shaky start to 2025, Kohli will be looking to emulate Sharma’s century in Cuttack and lead India to victory in the upcoming 3rd ODI at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
England’s Struggles and India’s Dominance
While England has shown glimpses of promise in the series so far, they have struggled to convert their aggressive starts into substantial totals, especially in the middle overs where India’s spinners have exerted control. The likes of Hardik Pandya and Mohammed Shami have bolstered India’s bowling attack, making them a formidable force heading into the final encounter before the Champions Trophy.
Key Match Details
The 3rd ODI on February 12, 2024, at 02:30 PM IST at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is expected to provide tougher batting conditions, with low average first innings scores. The presence of dew and the impact of spinners in the first innings will be crucial factors influencing the captains’ decisions at the toss.
Team News
There is optimism surrounding Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the 3rd ODI, but his status remains uncertain. In his absence, Arshdeep Singh is likely to step in, while Rishabh Pant could also make an appearance after sitting out the first two ODIs. On the other hand, England might see the return of Brydon Carse and Jofra Archer to strengthen their bowling unit, with the possibility of Tom Banton adding depth to their batting lineup.
Probable XIs
India: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul/Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Arshdeep Singh, Varun CV, Mohammed Shami
England: Philip Salt (w), Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler(c), Liam Livingstone, Tom Banton/Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson/Brydon Carse, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, Saqib Mahmood/Jofra Archer
Interesting Facts
- Arshdeep Singh is India’s leading wicket-taker in ODIs post the 2023 World Cup, with 12 wickets in 5 matches.
- Liam Livingstone boasts a strike rate of 190.16 in the death overs (41-50) in ODIs in 2024.
- Rohit Sharma averages 50.57 in Ahmedabad, with 354 runs in 7 innings.
- Following his half-century in Cuttack, Joe Root now has the most 50-plus scores in ODIs for England, surpassing Eoin Morgan’s tally.
Final Thoughts
With the series delicately poised, all eyes will be on Virat Kohli to deliver a match-winning performance and lead India to victory against England in the 3rd ODI. As the teams gear up for the Champions Trophy, this encounter at Ahmedabad promises to be a thrilling spectacle of top-quality cricket.
Virat Kohli’s Quest for Redemption
As Virat Kohli steps onto the field for the 3rd ODI against England, all eyes are on the Indian captain to replicate the brilliance shown by his teammate Rohit Sharma in the previous match. Kohli, who has faced criticism for his recent form, will be eager to silence his detractors with a commanding performance. Known for his tenacity and determination, Kohli possesses the skill and temperament to turn the tide in India’s favor.
England’s Batting Woes and India’s Bowling Prowess
England’s batting lineup has struggled to capitalize on solid starts, faltering in the face of India’s disciplined bowling attack. The spin duo of Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja has posed significant challenges for the English batsmen, stifling their run-scoring opportunities in the middle overs. On the other hand, India’s pace spearheads like Mohammed Shami and the dynamic all-rounder Hardik Pandya have provided crucial breakthroughs when needed, adding depth and versatility to the team’s bowling arsenal.
Environmental Factors and Playing Conditions
As the teams gear up for the crucial showdown in Ahmedabad, the playing conditions are expected to play a significant role in determining the outcome of the match. With the presence of dew and the likelihood of spin playing a crucial role, both captains will have to strategize carefully, especially considering the challenges posed by the traditionally low-scoring nature of the pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Key Players to Watch
While all eyes will be on Virat Kohli to lead from the front, players like Shreyas Iyer and Rohit Sharma will be crucial in anchoring India’s innings and setting up a formidable total. On the other hand, England will look to Joe Root, Liam Livingstone, and the experienced Jos Buttler to counter India’s bowling threat and mount a competitive challenge. The battle between the bat and the ball is set to be intense, with individual performances likely to sway the momentum in favor of one team.
The Spectacle of International Cricket
As the series between India and England reaches its climax, the excitement and anticipation among fans are palpable. The 3rd ODI promises to be a spectacle of high-quality cricket, showcasing the talent and skill of some of the best players in the world. With both teams eyeing victory as a morale booster ahead of the Champions Trophy, the stage is set for a thrilling contest that is sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Conclusion
As the clock ticks down to the start of the 3rd ODI between India and England, the stakes are high for both teams. While Virat Kohli seeks redemption and a chance to emulate Rohit Sharma’s heroics, England is determined to turn the tide and salvage pride in the series. With talented players on both sides ready to showcase their skills, cricket fans around the world are in for a treat as they witness a battle of champions unfold at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.