England ODI series 2025: a big stage for these 3 young players to make their debut: The much-anticipated ODI series between India and England from February 6 to 12, 2025, comes at a crucial time for Indian cricket.
After a disappointing year in the 50-over format that saw only three matches played and a disappointing loss to Sri Lanka in August 2024, the Men in Blue are eyeing a comeback.
The series serves as crucial preparation ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, offering a chance to refine strategies and unearth new talent.
The selectors are set to announce the squad on January 12, but reports suggest that the following three players could make their ODI debut.
# Nitish Kumar Reddy: Rising star Nitish Kumar Reddy, a 20-year-old batsman from Andhra Pradesh, has been in the news ever since his impressive performance in IPL 2024. Representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, Reddy scored 303 runs, including a match-winning 76* in a high-pressure playoff game. His ability to handle tense situations earned him recognition and a place in the national T20 team.
What makes Reddy’s case even stronger is his success in red-ball cricket. During the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he impressed by scoring consistently and finished it off with a brilliant century in the Boxing Day Test. Reddy’s adaptability across formats is a testament to his cricketing maturity, and he is set to add depth to India’s middle order in ODIs.
# Yashasvi Jaiswal: The next big thing Yashasvi Jaiswal’s name is synonymous with promise and consistency. The fulcrum of India’s Test batting lineup, the 23-year-old left-hander has time and again shown his ability to dominate bowlers at the domestic and international level. Yet, despite his exploits in Tests, Jaiswal is yet to don the ODI jersey.
The England series could finally be the debut he makes in the format. Likely to serve as a backup opener to Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, Jaiswal’s inclusion gives the team flexibility at the top of the order. With a hunger to pace the innings and score big runs, he is set to make his mark in 50-over cricket.
# Harshit Rana: An emerging pacer India’s search for a dependable fast bowling arsenal has led them to Harshit Rana. The 23-year-old pacer has already built an impressive resume, performing well in both the IPL and Tests. Playing under Gautam Gambhir’s guidance at Kolkata Knight Riders, Rana picked up 19 wickets in IPL 2024, proving to be crucial in KKR’s title win.
Rana’s entry into the Test arena has been equally smooth, where he showcased his potential with four wickets in three innings in his debut series. His speed, accuracy and ability to get bounce make him a valuable asset in ODI cricket. With the England series providing the right platform, Rana could be India’s next big hope in the fast bowling department.
Why these debutants matter
Including these young players is not just about preparing for the England series but also about building a strong squad for the future. With the ICC Champions Trophy around the corner, giving opportunities to new faces ensures that India have a good squad with both experience and youth.
The England ODIs also offer a chance to evaluate how these players perform under the pressure of international cricket. Their performance may well determine their role in India’s campaign for global glory later this year.
Source: ICS
