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Team India - (Source: AFP)
On Sunday, July 19, the caravan moves to Lord’s, where India and England will lock horns in the series decider. It's all up for grabs at the Mecca of cricket after England bounced back in the 2nd ODI to level the series. However, the focus seems to be on Rohit Sharma for the final match of the tour.
There were reports that Rohit Sharma might play his last ODI at Lord’s, which is why the Hitman has been at the centre of all the media attention. In the latest events, the BCCI has officially refuted such claims and remarked that the 39-year-old is still in the scheme of things for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Besides Rohit Sharma, there are a lot of other factors to watch out for in the 3rd ODI between India and England, and this article will shed light on that.
3 Factors Besides Rohit Sharma To Watch Out For In India vs England 3rd ODI
1. Ishan Kishan’s Place In The Team
It is very clear that India are looking at Ishan Kishan as their 2nd choice wicket-keeper. The southpaw made a place in the playing XI for the 2nd ODI after replacing KL Rahul, who fell ill before the Cardiff match.
Despite getting constant opportunities, Ishan Kishan is yet to cement his place in the team. If we look at the stats, then Kishan scored a solitary run with the bat. Kishan had a great ODI series against Afghanistan, amassing 159 runs in 2 innings, including a century. However, his away stats are not good.
Also Read: Rohit Sharma's Record At Lord's, London, Before IND vs ENG 3rd ODI 2026
India are making combinations, thinking of away performances in mind because the upcoming ODI World Cup is in South Africa. Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan had a flop T20I series against England and Ireland, where he could only amass 135 runs in 7 innings.
Now, Ishan has probably one last chance to make an impact at Lord’s. Even if KL Rahul returns, Washington Sundar is injured, and the management might opt for Ishan Kishan as his replacement.
2. Shivam Dube’s Role In The Team
Shivam Dube was named in India’s ODI squad for the ongoing England tour. However, the all-rounder scored a golden duck in the 2nd ODI and is now under the scanner over his place. Even with the ball, Dube has not been efficient enough, picking just 2 wickets in 2 matches.
Now, India have a fragile lower middle-order. Axar Patel is not firing, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Hardik Pandya are also injured, leaving us with very little option. Hence, Dube too has a chance to cement his place in the team.
If Dube fails, then India will be forced to go with 6 proper batters and five bowling options. Hence, Dube’s performance will decide how the management will shape their combination.
3. No frontline spinner in the team
For the first two ODIs, India didn’t play any spin-bowling all-rounder, despite having Kuldeep Yadav on the bench. The Men in Blue are without Varun Chakaravarthy, who is out of action because of a hamstring injury.
In Varun’s absence, India have gone ahead with non-specialists like Axar Patel and Washington Sundar. However, they need to bring in Kuldeep, a proper leggie, who has reaped results in the past. India need to show more trust in their quality leg-spinner.
If we look at any other country, then England have Adil Rashid, South Africa have Keshav Maharaj, Australia have Adam Zampa, and New Zealand have Mitchell Santner. Hence, the Men in Blue too have to follow the same path.
Also Read: 3 Times Rohit Sharma Saved Himself From Getting Dropped From Indian Team
.jpg?type=mq "3 Times Rohit Sharma Saved Himself")
