India will have a chance to test their best combination when they take the field in the first of three-match ODI series at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur, on Thursday.
The hosts have only featured in six ODIs after losing the 2023 World Cup Final to Australia at home.
It will be six months since India’s last appearance in ODIs, a key series ahead of the all-important Champions Trophy 2025.
Vice-captain, Shubman Gill, however is not considering the series as a dress rehearsal for the mega event.
“I think we are playing against a good side. Three ODIs and we are not taking this as a practice for Champions Trophy,” said Gill at the pre-match press conference. I think this is a very important series for us. Every series is very important and we are looking to dominate and win this series like any other series.”
Gill will be a part of the leadership group, considering his fine run as an opener, averaging 58.2 at a commendable strike-rate of 101.2.
And he understands the responsibility.
“Yes, I have been given an added responsibility and I take it as a challenge to lead, firstly with my performances and then definitely in the field if Rohit Bhai would want my opinion or anything. I think it’s my duty to let him know what my thoughts are on the game.
“As a vice captain, it’s a huge responsibility. I think, being part of the think-tank, how GG bhai (Gautam Gambhir) thinks, how Rohit bhai thinks. What are the plans for certain batsmen, certain bowlers, how to take on certain opposition. Just learning that, I think, is a big goal for me and that’s what I will try to do.”