IND vs ENG: The first ODI between India and England, scheduled for February 6, 2025, at Vidarbha Stadium in Nagpur, promises to be a thrilling encounter, especially with India aiming to build momentum towards the Champions Trophy 2025, beginning their campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20th.
After a dominating 4-1 win in the T20I series against England, India’s bowling attack will be eager to continue their form. Here, we focus on three bowlers who have the potential to be the Most Valuable Players (MVPs) of this crucial match.
Here Are 3 Bowlers Who Can Be MVPs In The First ODI Against England In IND vs ENG
Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami has been a cornerstone of India’s bowling attack in ODIs, particularly highlighted by his performance in the World Cup 2023 where he was the leading wicket-taker.
With 195 wickets in 101 matches at an average of 23.68, Shami’s record speaks for itself.
His best bowling figures of 7/57 showcase his ability to dismantle batting line-ups on his day.
Although he missed the IPL 2024 due to injury, his return in the T20I series against England in 2025 was a clear indication of his readiness and form.
Shami’s bowling is characterized by his ability to swing the new ball, his consistent line and length, and his knack for extracting bounce from any surface.
The conditions in Nagpur, which can sometimes offer a bit of assistance to the seamers, could play into his hands, especially with the new ball.
If Shami can replicate his World Cup form, his performance could be pivotal in setting the tone for the match, potentially making him the MVP.
His experience in handling pressure situations, combined with his skill set, makes him a prime candidate to lead India’s bowling attack with distinction.
Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep Singh has quickly risen to prominence, especially in T20Is, where he’s been India’s leading wicket-taker, signaling his potential to transition his skills into the 50-over format.
Although he has only played 8 ODIs, his statistics – 12 wickets at an average of 24.08 – are promising. His best figures of 5/37 underline his capability to produce match-winning spells.
His inclusion in the Champions Trophy 2025 squad is a testament to the faith the team management has in his abilities.
Arshdeep’s strength lies in his ability to swing the ball both ways and his effectiveness in the death overs.
His calm demeanor under pressure and his variations like the slower ball and yorkers could be crucial on a pitch where the ball might not do much otherwise.
If he can manage to find the right areas and exploit any assistance from the Nagpur pitch, Arshdeep could indeed be the surprise element and an MVP contender.
His journey from a T20 specialist to a potential ODI stalwart is one to watch, especially in this series which is a significant stage for young talents.
Jofra Archer
From England’s side, Jofra Archer’s return to the ODI setup has always been anticipated with excitement due to his raw pace and unique bowling action.
With 47 wickets in 27 matches at an average of 25.12, Archer’s impact when fit is undeniable.
His best figures of 6/40 highlight his ability to run through batting orders. After battling injuries, his presence in the team adds a different dimension to England’s bowling.
Archer’s pace, combined with his ability to bowl bouncers and yorkers with precision, makes him a threat at any stage of the innings.
His performance could be crucial for England, especially if they need to break partnerships or contain the scoring rate in the middle overs.
On a pitch like Nagpur, which might not offer much to fast bowlers, Archer’s raw speed could be the difference-maker.
If he can maintain his fitness and rhythm, Archer has all the attributes to be England’s MVP, potentially turning the game in their favor with his sheer bowling prowess.
As we look forward to this encounter, these three bowlers – Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, and Jofra Archer – are not just players but pivotal figures who could define the narrative of the match.
Their performances will not only impact the immediate result but also set the tone for their respective teams’ preparations for the Champions Trophy.
Each brings a unique set of skills to the table, making this ODI not just a contest of bat versus ball but a showcase of some of the best bowling talents in the world.
