Jasprit Bumrah returns to India’s ODI attack on Tuesday as the hosts launch their 2027 World Cup campaign against England in Birmingham. The first ODI at Edgbaston pits two sides with contrasting recent fortunes — India after a poor T20I leg, England chasing a revival in 50-over cricket. Bumrah’s presence bolsters a pace unit that also includes Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna and Gurnur Brar, while Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to shore up the top order.
What’s the big story?
India’s ODI rebuild begins with a bang. The return of captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah gives Shubman Gill a near-full-strength squad for the 2027 World Cup cycle. Their inclusion shifts the focus from the T20I flop to the format that matters most over the next 15 months. Bumrah’s comeback at the top of the attack is the headline act, but the batting lineup now looks familiar — Rohit and Gill average 60.9 together in ODIs, while Kohli inches toward 15,000 runs and his 300th ODI innings.
England, meanwhile, have their own ambitions. Captain Harry Brook has racked up 850 runs in 17 ODI innings since taking charge, while Joe Root’s consistency and Adil Rashid’s 148 ODI wickets keep them dangerous. The hosts have won just two of their last nine bilateral ODIs against India since 2020, and Brook’s side will target a morale-boosting start.
Why Bumrah’s return matters
Bumrah’s absence in the T20Is left a gap in India’s bowling plans. His return to the ODI fold at Edgbaston on 14 July 2026 signals a clear intent: the pace spearhead is back to lead the attack alongside Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna and Gurnur Brar. Since 2025, Bumrah has been India’s go-to bowler in chases, with a knack for breaking partnerships in the middle overs.
The series also tests India’s middle order. KL Rahul resumes wicketkeeping duties after his 139 against Afghanistan, while Shreyas Iyer slots back at No. 4. Kuldeep Yadav, six wickets shy of 200 ODI scalps, needs a sharp return too. England’s Adil Rashid, just 2 wickets behind 150, adds another spin threat to the mix.
Match details and where to watch
When: Tuesday, 14 July 2026, 3:30 PM IST
Where: Edgbaston, Birmingham
TV: Sony Sports Network
Stream: JioHotstar app and website
England’s squad leans on Brook’s leadership and Root’s experience, while India’s top order looks set for a reunion. The visitors have won seven of the last nine bilateral ODI series against England since 2010, but the T20I drubbing shows they can’t take anything for granted. For Bumrah, it’s a chance to stamp his authority early in the World Cup build-up.
What comes next?
India play three ODIs in England, then head to South Africa for another block. The series is the first real test of Gill’s leadership and the squad’s cohesion ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Bumrah’s fitness and rhythm will be under the microscope — his ability to strike in the powerplay and death overs could define India’s title hopes.
England, meanwhile, will look to build on Brook’s captaincy and Root’s form. A strong start at Edgbaston could spark a revival in their 50-over fortunes. For both sides, the stakes are clear: this isn’t just another bilateral — it’s the first chapter of the next World Cup race.