IND vs ENG: Team India showcase ODI blueprint with middle-overs dominance but stiffer test awaits in Champions Trophy 2025

India’s 3-0 whitewash of England in the recently concluded One-Day International (ODI) series has provided a solid launchpad for their upcoming ICC Champions Trophy campaign. While England’s lacklustre performance tempers some of the excitement, India have showcased a refreshing approach, particularly in how they controlled the middle overs and dictated the tempo of chases.

With all of India’s matches in the Champions Trophy set to be played in Dubai, this series has given them a blueprint they can build on, even as they fine-tune their squad for the challenges ahead.

India’s ODI Blueprint: Middle-Overs Dominance

A significant takeaway from this series was India’s emphasis on the middle overs, both with the bat and ball. Under Gautam Gambhir’s influence, the team has moved towards a 3-3 bowling attack—three seamers and three spinners—with an emphasis on spin as a wicket-taking option. This was evident in how India consistently strangled England’s scoring rate in the middle phase, effectively ending contests before the death overs became a factor.

Ravindra Jadeja’s return to white-ball cricket was a major positive as he emerged as India’s most economical and penetrative bowler in the series. His left-arm spin provided crucial breakthroughs, reaffirming his position as India’s No. 1 spinner heading into the Champions Trophy.

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Kuldeep Yadav, making a comeback after a hernia surgery, showed glimpses of his form but at times lacked some of his usual bite. With mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy drafted in as a last-minute addition, India are clearly looking to exploit the lack of familiarity opposition teams might have with his variations, especially on those sticky surfaces at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

On the pace front, Harshit Rana’s emergence was noteworthy. Playing in place of the injured Jasprit Bumrah, Rana’s ability to extract extra bounce and bowl hard lengths made him a standout performer. Despite going for runs in his initial spells, the Delhi youngster finished as India’s joint-highest wicket-taker.

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He dismissed Harry Brook in all three matches along with other key scalps, showing his potential as a middle-overs enforcer. Mohammed Shami’s return to ODIs was less convincing, though. While he looked comfortable during the extended practice sessions in Nagpur ahead of the first ODI, concerns remain over his pace and fitness. However, his experience remains valuable.

Batting Gains: Shubman Gill Leads the Way

India’s batting was spearheaded by vice-captain Shubman Gill, whose Player of the Series performance (259 runs at an average of 86.33) underscored his growing stature as India’s premier ODI batter. Gill’s ability to anchor and accelerate was on full display and his seventh ODI century in Ahmedabad reinforced his importance as an opener heading into his first Champions Trophy.

Skipper Rohit Sharma, after a prolonged lean patch in Test cricket, found some ODI form with a match-winning 119 in the second ODI. Virat Kohli’s series was less convincing—he missed the first game, scored just five in the second, and made a scratchy 52 in the third. His continued struggles against Adil Rashid remain a concern, especially with quality spinners likely to play a key role in the UAE.

Shreyas Iyer made a strong case for his place at No. 4 with consistent performances, while KL Rahul’s indifferent form with the bat and behind the stumps raised questions despite the team’s faith in him as a wicketkeeper. With the squad now finalised, India will hope that their top order fires in unison when the pressure is at its peak.

Gambhir’s Tactical Imprint: A More Proactive Approach

It seems the shift from Rahul Dravid to Gambhir as head-coach has brought a noticeable change in team’ tactics. Unlike India’s traditional approach of taking chases deep, this team appears to be embracing a more proactive strategy.

Whether it was Iyer counterattacking in the first ODI, Rohit sealing the second with his blitz or Kohli showing intent against off-spin in the third - India are clearly looking to take the initiative earlier rather than leaving it to the final overs, as they did in some of the games in the 2023 World Cup.

This aggressive intent aligns with Gambhir’s philosophy as a captain and coach. His preference for spin-heavy attacks, evident during his time with Kolkata Knight Riders, is now reflected in India’s squad composition. The late inclusion of Varun Chakravarthy at the expense of a reserve batter further indicates India’s willingness to bank on their bowling resources to create an impact in conditions expected to favour slow bowlers.

Challenges Ahead: Stiff Tests Await in the UAE

While the series win is encouraging, it must be viewed in the context of England’s underwhelming performance. Their batting unit struggled against spin throughout this tour and their bowling lacked penetration. The real test for India will come against teams with stronger middle-over players and more disciplined bowling attacks. Also, there will be the added pressure of an ICC event.

The Champions Trophy will demand further refinement in execution. Kohli’s form, Rahul’s temperament under pressure and Kuldeep’s sharpness will be areas to monitor. Similarly, how India manage their death bowling in tighter contests—especially in the absence of Bumrah—will be crucial. Nevertheless, the initial signs are promising but the true test begins now for Rohit & Co.