Joe Root will play his first ODI for England Men since 2023 on Thursday, having been named in the starting XI for the first game in the 50-over series against India. England's leading Test run-scorer will add to his 171 ODIs in Nagpur with an eye on securing his place in the side for the upcoming ICC Men's Champions Trophy,

Narendra Modi Stadium in Nagpur has faced pitch-related controversies in the past, but for the upcoming ODI between India and England, a new hard surface has been prepared. Indian vice-captain Shubman Gill emphasized the unpredictability of the wicket and mentioned some grass may be retained to maintain moisture.

While India will feature in their first home ODI since the 2023 ODI World Cup, England have a point to prove. The series will be a litmus test for both sides ahead of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

Team India skipper Varun Chakravarthy has been added to the ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against England, starting on February 6. The opening match of the series between India and England will take place at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur.

Varun Chakravarthy picked up 14 wickets in the five-match T20I series against England, including a five-wicket haul in Rajkot. He was also the player of the series for his stellar bowling performance.