India get a much-awaited victory as Shubman Gill leads from the front in 1st ODI

For the first time on this UK trip, India tasted victory. The format was different and so were the personnel, but none illustrated better than Jasprit Bumrah what they had been lacking in the T20Is.In the presence of the pace spearhead, Prasidh Krishna appeared a different bowler before the batting unit led by skipper Shubman Gill pulled off a convincing six-wicket win on a testing Edgbaston surface. Securing the win was Axar Patel’s (4/62 and 57 not out) all-round efforts, which should do a world of good to his confidence that appeared to have taken a few blows off late.That the team got the job done despite Rohit Sharma (11) and Virat Kohli (5) hardly contributing would give them confidence as all through this UK summer they have struggled to get used to the conditions. Setting up the chase of 259 was Gill, who until he retired hurt with cramps for 80 off 75 deliveries, appeared the best batsman on show. He adjusted wonderfully to a surface where the extra bounce troubled everyone. That he found the confidence to walk down the pitch showed how assured he was. After the two senior pros departed, Gill forged a 101-run stand with his deputy Shreyas Iyer off 103 deliveries that tilted the game in India’s favour. Once the captain departed, there was a brief stutter with Iyer running himself out and KL Rahul dragging one back onto the stumps. But Washington Sundar and Axar, picked over frontline spinner Kuldeep Yadav, completed the job with grinding knocks that adapted to the situation. Axar wasn’t at his best with the ball, as he struggled for rhythm in the middle, but his unbeaten half-century showed why India value him. Kaptaani Paari ✨ Watch the 1st ODI of #ENGvIND LIVE NOW on Sony Sports Network TV channels. #SonySportsNetwork #MamlaPersonalHai #ExtraaaInnings pic.twitter.com/QXRwM0rXbc — Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) July 14, 2026 Gill’s innings was a reminder that there could still be a place for him in T20Is, particularly when India are scheduled to play most of their series overseas. His numbers in the IPL support his case. There is still some work to be done, particularly with regards to the make-up of this batting line-up, but unlike the T20s where India prefer a left-right combination at all points, in ODIs they seem to prefer the ones who will get the job done. Like his predecessor Rohit, he led the charge, before Iyer settled himself as England hesitated to use leg-spinner Adil Rashid. They eventually turned to him, but didn’t get joy. Bumrah returns It was with the ball that India found plenty of encouraging signs. Not ready to compromise on depth in batting or bowling, India had three all-rounders – Axar, Washington and Shivam Dube. It meant there was no space for Kuldeep, whose absence was felt in the second half of England’s innings after the pacers had run through the top and middle order. Winning the toss and batting first, England innings was a roller- coaster. From 60 for no loss, they were reduced to 80/5 in the space of 26 deliveries by Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar. It would eventually become 107/6 by the 22nd over before England found Joe Root (76 not out) and Liam Dawson (68) stopped the slide and put the hosts in a situation from where they could post a total beyond India’s reach. But a late collapse, from 250/7 to 258 all out with Root left stranded with 13 deliveries remaining in the innings, dented their chances.Story continues below this ad On a pitch that had some juice, playing his first ODI since the 2023 World Cup final, Bumrah was in his element straightaway having Ben Duckett in all sorts of problems. The pace and movement through the air and off the pitch repeatedly tested the left-hander, and Prasidh at the other end was equally tough to negate with his extra bounce. The OGs at Work. 😎 Jasprit Bumrah finds the edge. Rohit Sharma makes no mistake. 🤝 Watch the 1st ODI of #ENGvIND, LIVE NOW on Sony Sports Network TV channels.#SonySportsNetwork #MamlaPersonalHai #ExtraaaI