After a long wait of 444 days, Team India is finally set to play an ODI match on home soil as they take on England in the first game of a three-match series. The match will take place on February 6, 2025, at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur and is scheduled to begin at 1:30 PM IST. This series marks an important phase for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.
Where to Watch the Match Live?
Fans can catch the action live on various platforms:
- Television Broadcast – The match will be aired live on the Star Sports Network in India.
- Online Streaming – Viewers can stream the match on Disney+ Hotstar (app and website).
- Radio Commentary – Fans in the UK can tune in to talkSPORT 2 for live audio commentary.
Team News & Key Players
One of the biggest talking points ahead of the match is the absence of Virat Kohli, who has been ruled out due to a knee injury. In his absence, young stars like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill are expected to step up and lead India’s batting charge.
On the other hand, England welcomes back Joe Root and Jos Buttler, who are expected to play key roles in helping their team recover from a disappointing 4-1 loss in the T20 series. England’s new coach Brendon McCullum will also be looking to guide his team to a strong start in the 50-over format.
Match Preview & Expectations
This ODI series holds significant importance for both sides as they fine-tune their squads for upcoming international tournaments. While India aims to capitalize on home conditions, England will be looking for redemption after struggling in the T20 series.
India’s batting lineup, despite Kohli’s absence, still looks strong with Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer leading the charge. Meanwhile, England’s bowling attack, featuring Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, and Mark Wood, will pose a tough challenge.
With both teams eager to prove their mettle, fans can expect an exciting contest as ODI cricket returns to Indian soil after more than a year. Stay tuned for live updates and results as the action unfolds in Nagpur!