- Rohit Sharma returns to nets for upcoming England ODIs.
- Recovering from injury, his physical recovery progresses smoothly.
- Sharma’s expertise will anchor the team’s top order.
- Shubman Gill leads revised squad with new domestic talent.
England vs India: India opening batsman Rohit Sharma has returned to the nets to prepare for the upcoming three-match One Day International series against England starting on July 14 at Edgbaston. The veteran top-order batsman is recovering from a significant injury layoff that disrupted his domestic season. His presence balances an experimental touring squad currently playing a shorter-format bilateral series.
Rohit Recovering From Injury Sustained During IPL
Social media footage of the practice session showed the experienced opener executing straight drives and cover drives comfortably, proving his physical recovery is progressing smoothly before the opening match.
The team needs his technical expertise at the top of the order because England conditions remain notoriously demanding for opening batsmen during the early mid-summer weeks.
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Sharma missed a large portion of the recent Indian Premier League season due to a persistent hamstring injury, which restricted his appearances to just nine domestic matches.
He managed 283 runs at an average of 35.37 during those limited outings, though he maintained a high strike rate of 157.22 while registering two half-centuries.
Stabilizing The Top Order Under New Leadership
His 50-over international statistics this year stand at 204 runs across six appearances, averaging 34.00 with a solitary half-century score of 79 against disciplined bowling.
The team management wants him to anchor the innings alongside newly appointed captain Shubman Gill, ensuring the younger middle-order players can play without immediate scoreboard pressure.
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Gill will lead a revised 15-man squad that includes seasoned stars like Virat Kohli alongside fresh domestic bowling talent like Gurnoor Brar and Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Shreyas Iyer takes the vice-captaincy role, while KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan will compete for the primary wicketkeeper-batsman position during the three scheduled matches in Birmingham, Cardiff, and Lord’s.
