The Indian team is currently on an Australian tour, where they are set to play the fifth and final match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against the host country in Sydney. The Indian team is trailing 2-1 in the series, and to keep their chances of reaching the final of the World Test Championship alive, they must win this Test. After this match, the team will play a white-ball series against England at home.
The series will include five T20 and three ODI matches between India and England. This series is crucial, as the Champions Trophy will be held in February. According to reports, Jasprit Bumrah will be rested for the ODI series against England. A decision regarding Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be made based on their availability.
Senior Players to Be Given Rest
According to India Today’s report, the senior selection committee of the men’s cricket team has decided to rest Jasprit Bumrah for the upcoming T20 and ODI series against England on home soil. The decision is attributed to workload management. Additionally, it is suggested that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli may also be rested, with a decision regarding their participation to be made after considering their availability.
England Series Schedule
India will host England (IND vs ENG) in a five-match T20 series and a three-match ODI series from January 22 to February 12. The ODI series will conclude just seven days before the Champions Trophy begins.
ODI MATCHES OF INDIA IN 2025:
– 3 vs England (H)
– 5 in Champions Trophy
– 3 vs Bangladesh (A)
– 3 vs Australia (A)
– 3 vs South Africa (H) pic.twitter.com/ZJ27kmsELL— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 30, 2024
Decision Pending for Rohit and Virat
During the selection meeting, it was decided that a final call on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma would be made based on their availability. Both players are eager to participate in the three ODIs to get in rhythm ahead of the Champions Trophy.
Focus on Champions Trophy Availability
Considering the Champions Trophy’s proximity, it seems likely that both Virat and Rohit will make themselves available for the ODI series against England to fine-tune their form before the tournament.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Outstanding Performance
Jasprit Bumrah, who has been leading India’s pace attack in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia, has been in exceptional form. He has carried the responsibility of leading a relatively inexperienced fast-bowling unit in the absence of Mohammed Shami.
INDIAN TEAM SCHEDULE IN T20I IN 2025:
– 5 T20I vs England (H)
– 3 T20I vs Bangladesh (A)
– Asia Cup
– 5 T20I vs Australia (A)
– 5 T20I vs South Africa (H) pic.twitter.com/qQ3As7VT6J— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 30, 2024
In the Melbourne Test, Bumrah bowled 53.2 overs, the most he’s bowled in a single Test match, taking 9 wickets. With 141.2 overs bowled in four Tests, Bumrah has the highest workload among any bowler in the series. By the time the Sydney Test concludes, Bumrah will have played 10 Tests in just four months.
Pressure Mounting on Rohit and Virat
Both Rohit and Virat are currently in Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, where the pair has struggled with their batting form. Virat did score a century in the series, but Rohit has had a tough time finding form, leading to increased pressure on both players.
Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule
The Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to begin on February 19. The tournament will be held in a hybrid format, with all of India’s matches played in Dubai. If India reaches the final, it will also be held in Dubai. India will face Bangladesh on February 20, and their much-anticipated match against Pakistan will take place on February 23.
ICC Champions Trophy Groupings
The ICC has divided the teams into two groups. Group A includes the current Champions Trophy holders Pakistan, along with India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. Group B features the 2023 ODI World Cup champions Australia, alongside Afghanistan, England, and South Africa.