ENG vs IND 2026: Abhishek Nayar backs Bumrah return, picks playing XI for first ODI

Abhishek Nayar, the former India assistant coach, has backed Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah as automatic picks for India's playing XI in the first ODI against England at Edgbaston on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. The three-match series offers India a chance to reset after their five-match winless streak in T20Is, where they suffered a 4-0.

Nayar articulated a clear blueprint for India's middle order and batting balance. The series begins against a confident England side and serves as a critical rehearsal before the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa. The second ODI will be played at Cardiff on Thursday, July 16, while the third match concludes the series at Lord's on Sunday, July 19, 2026.

"Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli—no questions asked. Shreyas Iyer at No. 4. The vice-captain has to be there. For me, KL Rahul and Axar Patel will be a switch based on the situation, in case you want a left-hander to come in or you want Shivam Dube to come in. That is slightly the versatility that I would want in my batting order," said Nayar on JioStar.

Why is Bumrah's return so crucial for India's bowling attack?

Nayar stressed that Bumrah's return transforms India's bowling attack after his last ODI on November 19, 2023. The pace spearhead's experience in English conditions makes him invaluable.

"Having 10 overs of Bumrah is a nightmare from an opposition's standpoint. Trust me, this is coming from someone who sits in an opposition dugout in the IPL. When you know you have to literally discount the four overs and start planning for the other 16, it makes other bowlers effective as well because you are trying to target them to score those runs," Nayar noted.

Can young Gurnoor Brar emerge as India's pace X-factor?

For India's bowling, Nayar backed Shivam Dube as the lone seam-bowling all-rounder, followed by Kuldeep Yadav and Bumrah. The assistant coach expressed particular excitement about Gurnoor Brar.

"Having that pace upwards of 140+ kmph with the bounce, that X-factor that you want to groom, and he can bat a bit as well," Nayar said.

Nayar also highlighted the partnership between Bumrah and left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh as critical to India's chances in England.

"A lot of Arshdeep's effectiveness also comes from a Jasprit Bumrah being at the other end. Joe Root, batting for England, is going to be thinking, with the record Bumrah has against him, that Bumrah can get him out, and any spell can turn things in India's favor. So, Bumrah being back, there will be a happy Gautam Gambhir, a happy Morne Morkel, and a very happy Shubman Gill," Nayar added.

Abhishek Nayar's India playing 11 for ENG vs IND 2026 1st ODI:

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Gurnoor Brar, Arshdeep Singh