Former India captain Rohit Sharma has started gearing up for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England cricket team, putting in dedicated training sessions in London. The veteran opener was last seen in action during India’s home ODI series against Afghanistan cricket team, where he showed glimpses of his form by scoring 16, 48, and 79 runs across the three matches. India and England are scheduled to face each other in ODIs on July 14, 16, and 19 in Birmingham, Cardiff, and Lord’s Cricket Ground respectively.
With ODIs being his only format for India after stepping away from T20Is and Tests, Rohit is focused on being fully prepared for the England challenge. According to reports, he has already begun intense practice sessions at local cricket clubs in and around London, training alongside close friends and local club bowlers as he fine-tunes his batting ahead of the series.
Rohit Sharma Begins London Preparations Ahead of England ODI Series
Rohit Sharma has arrived in London ahead of India’s three-match ODI series against England cricket team and has wasted little time getting into preparation mode. Before linking up with the squad in Birmingham, the former India captain has been sharpening his game through intensive practice sessions at local cricket clubs alongside close friends and club bowlers. His training began at Slough Cricket Club in Berkshire before shifting to Swyncombe Cricket Club near Blondin Park, allowing him to settle into English conditions well before the opening ODI on July 14.
Rohit Sharma during a practice session in London ahead of the ODI series against England.🔥🔥🔥
The Hitman is getting ready for his next challenge.💪🏻pic.twitter.com/9fg1d9XXYk
— Hitman_Rohit.45 (@Hitman_aura_45) July 9, 2026
The veteran opener understands the demands of batting in England and has built an outstanding record in the country over the years. In 27 ODIs there, Rohit has scored 1,428 runs at an impressive average of 64.9, including seven centuries—the most by any visiting batter. Although he entered the recent home ODI series against Afghanistan cricket team after limited cricket due to a hamstring injury, he gradually found his rhythm and signed off with a fluent 79-run knock in Chennai before falling to Mohammad Nabi.
India will be hoping Rohit’s experience and consistency make a significant impact in England, especially with the T20I side struggling to adjust to the conditions. While there were initial concerns over his fitness ahead of the Afghanistan series, Rohit showed no signs of discomfort while batting or fielding and is understood to be in excellent physical condition. As India prepares for matches in Birmingham, Cardiff and at Lord’s Cricket Ground, the seasoned opener looks set to lead from the front once again.
India Gears Up for Three-Match ODI Challenge Against England
India national cricket team are set to begin their three-match ODI series against England cricket team on July 14, with the contest marking India’s return to the 50-over format after the ongoing five-match T20I series. Led by Shubman Gill, the visitors will use the series as an important opportunity to fine-tune their combinations against a strong English side. The three ODIs will be played at Edgbaston in Birmingham (July 14), Sophia Gardens in Cardiff (July 16), and Lord’s Cricket Ground (July 19).
India’s preparations have already gathered pace, with Rohit Sharma arriving in England ahead of the squad to get accustomed to local conditions. The experienced opener has been training in London through extensive net sessions as he looks to adapt to the movement and bounce on offer. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli has successfully cleared his fitness assessment and is set to return alongside premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, giving India a significant boost before the series.
England, captained by Harry Brook, will look to make full use of home conditions against their long-time rivals. While both teams boast plenty of firepower, India will be without all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who remains unavailable as he continues his rehabilitation. The series is expected to provide a valuable assessment of both squads as they continue building towards future white-ball assignments.
