IND vs ENG 1st ODI Highlights:
India successfully chased down 249 runs in the 1st ODI on Thursday in the IND vs. ENG match, with crucial contributions from Shubman Gill (87), Shreyas Iyer (59), and Axar Patel (52), all scoring half-centuries. Their steady performances led India to a 4-wicket victory, guiding the team through a challenging chase and securing the win.
India dominated England in the first ODI, securing a convincing win. The match was sealed when Ravindra Jadeja’s edge off Saqib Mahmood’s bowling slipped through Jonny Bairstow’s gloves, marking the winning moment for India. Despite losing six wickets, India reached the target with 11 overs to spare. Shubman Gill was in sublime form during the chase, and Shreyas Iyer also played a solid knock before both were dismissed. Axar Patel’s surprise inclusion turned out to be a masterstroke by the management, as he played a crucial role in the win.
On England’s side, they need to bring in a quality spin bowler. It’s puzzling why Rehan Ahmed was sent back and no other spinner was added to the squad, especially considering how ineffective their pace attack has been at times. But in the end, India took control and won the game. Congratulations to Team India for taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
Rohit Sharma’s reaction after winning
Rohit Sharma expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, saying, “I’m pretty happy with how we played. We knew we were returning to this format after a while, and right from the start, we played according to expectations. England started well, but our comeback was fantastic. We aimed for a left-handed batter in the middle, and it worked. We knew they would spin the ball into the left-handers, so that’s why we wanted a leftie. Gill and Axar batted brilliantly during the chase. There’s nothing specific to point out, but overall, I just want us as a team to keep doing the right things consistently.”
Shreyas Iyer revealed that he wasn’t supposed to play in the 1st ODI and was only included in the playing XI after Virat Kohli’s withdrawal.
When Virat Kohli pulled out of the first ODI against England due to a knee injury on the morning of the match, many expected Yashasvi Jaiswal to step in. However, Shreyas Iyer later shared that he wouldn’t have played if Kohli had been fit.
This change in the lineup reflects India’s approach ahead of the Champions Trophy, with head coach Gautam Gambhir favoring a left-right combination in the batting order.
“I wasn’t supposed to play today,” Iyer said. “Virat’s injury gave me the chance. I always stay ready for such opportunities. It reminded me of last year’s Asia Cup when I got injured and someone else came in and scored a century.”
IND Vs. ENG 1st ODI; Conclusion of the match
India comfortably beat England in the 1st ODI of 2025, chasing down 249 runs with ease. Shubman Gill’s 87, along with key contributions from Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel, led India to a 4-wicket win with 11 overs to spare. Despite losing a few wickets, India kept their composure and finished the chase smoothly. England’s bowling lacked depth, particularly without a strong spin option. This all-round performance gives India a 1-0 lead in the series, setting up a strong foundation for the remaining matches.
