Abhishek Nayar Backs Jasprit Bumrah’s ODI Return
The starting lineup for India’s first One-Day International match against England at Edgbaston on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, is Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah, according to former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar. After a five-match losing record in Twenty20 Internationals, India will have the chance to start over in the three-match series.
Nayar gave a clear description of India’s batting balance and middle order. Starting against a confident England team, the series is an important practice run before the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa. The second ODI will be held in Cardiff on Thursday, July 16, and the third match will conclude the series at Lord’s on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
“Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli—no questions asked.” The vice captain must be present, with Shreyas Iyer at No. 4. In my opinion, KL Rahul and Axar Patel will switch depending on the circumstances, such as whether you want Shivam Dube or a left-hander. “I would like my batting order to have a little more versatility,” Nayar stated on JioStar.
Why is India’s bowling assault so dependent on Bumrah’s return?
Abhishek Nayar underlined that Bumrah’s return alters India’s bowling attack following his last ODI on November 19, 2023. The pace spearhead’s expertise with English conditions makes him vital.
From the perspective of the opposition, having ten overs of Bumrah is a nightmare. This is from someone who sits in an IPL opposition dugout, so believe me. Other bowlers become more successful as well because you are trying to target them to score those runs when you know you have to literally discard the four overs and start strategising for the remaining sixteen,” Nayar observed.
Is it possible for the young Gurnoor Brar to become India’s pace X-factor?
The only seam-bowling all-rounder for India, according to Abhishek Nayar, is Shivam Dube, followed by Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav. Gurnoor Brar greatly delighted the assistant coach.
“Having that pace upwards of 140+ kmph with the bounce, that X-factor that you want to groom, and he can bat a bit as well,” added Nayar.
Abhishek Nayar also emphasised how crucial the partnership between Bumrah and left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh is to India’s chances in England.
“Having Jasprit Bumrah at the opposite end also contributes significantly to Arshdeep’s effectiveness. Given Bumrah’s record against him, Joe Root, who is batting for England, will be thinking that Bumrah can get him out and that any spell might help India. Gautam Gambhir, Morne Morkel, and Shubman Gill will all be thrilled with Bumrah’s return,” Abhishek Nayar continued.
In the first ODI of 2026, India, under the leadership of Abhishek Nayar:
Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Gurnoor Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul
