IND vs ENG ODIs review: Tough lessons for England while India gain momentum into the Champions Trophy

When you take a closer look at England’s recent performances in the white-ball series, one thing stands out: their dominance in T20 cricket. However, despite their strengths in the shortest format, they were ultimately outclassed by the formidable Indian team on home soil. India, a juggernaut in their own conditions, once again demonstrated why they are so difficult to beat in the subcontinent.

A major talking point emerging from England’s recent outings is the much-discussed and often-debated “Bazball” approach—a term that, despite Brendon McCullum’s well-documented dislike, has become synonymous with England’s aggressive and attacking style of play. The philosophy behind Bazball has been clear: a fearless, high-risk, high-reward strategy aimed at revolutionizing Test cricket. However, one of the key concerns now is whether England can successfully adapt this approach across all formats, especially given the unique demands of playing in different conditions.

One of the challenges England has faced is a lack of consistency in playing together as a cohesive unit. While their aggressive style has yielded success in Test cricket, particularly in familiar conditions, the dynamics shift significantly when playing in the subcontinent. The challenges posed by spin-friendly pitches, unpredictable turn, and extreme weather conditions demand a level of tactical adaptability that England is still striving to master.

Adding to this evolving scenario is the fact that Brendon McCullum has now taken over coaching responsibilities across all three formats. Managing this transition will be a significant test, both for McCullum himself and for the team as a whole. It’s not just about maintaining an aggressive brand of cricket but also about ensuring that England remains competitive in a variety of conditions.

Ultimately, the ability to succeed in the subcontinent remains a defining measure of any great team. The very best sides prove their dominance not just at home, but in the toughest overseas conditions. For England, their performance in India serves as a reminder that while an attacking mindset can be thrilling to watch, it must be balanced with tactical flexibility, patience, and the ability to adapt to different challenges. The coming months will reveal whether they can refine their approach and truly cement their status among the world’s elite teams.

When evaluating England’s performance, the key question is how they will regroup and find a way to bounce back. It has been a frustrating series for them, with several players showing flashes of brilliance but failing to deliver consistent, match-winning performances.

Joe Root, for instance, had a few promising innings but never truly stamped his authority on the series. Even captain Jos Buttler, a player known for his explosive batting, struggled to find his rhythm and make a lasting impact. The younger talents like Harry Brook and Ben Duckett also showed glimpses of their potential, but collectively, England lacked the cohesion needed to sustain pressure across multiple games. No core group of five or six players managed to step up consistently in a way that could turn the tide in England’s favor.

For England, the challenge now is not just about rediscovering form but also about building a more adaptable and resilient unit—one capable of competing against the very best in all conditions.

Meanwhile, India not only maintained their dominance but also demonstrated remarkable squad depth, seamlessly rotating players and introducing new talent. With the IPL serving as a high-pressure breeding ground, India has been able to identify and groom emerging stars, ensuring a steady pipeline of match-ready cricketers.

India’s depth in talent was on full display throughout the series, with several players making significant contributions at key moments. Abhishek Sharma made an immediate impact with a strong start in the T20s, while Shubman Gill returned to form in the 50-over format, scoring a sublime century late in the series. The skipper, Rohit Sharma, had an up-and-down campaign but finished on a high with a well-crafted hundred—an encouraging sign as India builds momentum heading into the Champions Trophy. Even the ever-reliable Virat Kohli, despite not being at his absolute best, spent valuable time in the middle, notching up a crucial half-century.

India’s batting continues to be a relentless force, with a conveyor belt of talent ensuring that they always have quality replacements ready to step up. However, the key question moving forward is the balance of their bowling attack, particularly the spin department. With a wealth of options at their disposal, the team management must find the right combinations and ensure that their spinners find their rhythm ahead of the major tournaments.

The pace attack also remains formidable, with Mohammed Shami named in the squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. His inclusion adds another layer of strength to an already well-rounded team. Overall, this series has been a valuable opportunity for India to assess their squad, fine-tune their strategies, and solidify their preparations for the high-stakes tournament in February.