Fans on X (formerly Twitter) erupted with excitement and relief over the return of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and KL Rahul for the 1st ODI against England at Edgbaston.
Following India’s brutal losses in the preceding T20I leg, cricket enthusiasts are tracking the social media trends surrounding the core group’s return on July 14, 2026. Fans widely posted that the “big guns” have arrived to rescue India after the younger squad suffered heavy T20I sweeps against Ireland and England.
Fans pointed out Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli would be happy to see England bat first and especially Joe Root who might score big runs, as it would give them the chance to go big and prove themselves. Although Shubman Gill lost the toss but the opportunity of getting to bowl first has been well-received by fans on X as they might get to see Kohli unleashing the ‘chase-master’ within himself and score a century.
Not just the batting legends, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma but even Jasprit Bumrah is trending on the internet as he returns after 968 days which is almost 2.5 years as he sustained an injury right before the Champions Trophy which delayed his return to ODI cricket.
Here’s how fans reacted to the return of Indian team stalwarts for England series-
“The experience is going to be massive”: Shubman Gill on India’s senior stars’ return
India captain Shubman Gill believes the ODI series against England will play a crucial role in the team’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, while also highlighting the massive boost provided by the return of several senior players.
Speaking after India lost the toss and were asked to bowl first, Gill admitted the visitors would have preferred to chase. “Actually, we’re looking to bowl first,” he said after England elected to bat.
Looking ahead to the importance of the series, Gill stressed that the English conditions offer valuable experience ahead of the next World Cup in South Africa. “Important series for us, the conditions that we’re going to get here would be a little bit more similar to South Africa as compared to where most of the time we play in India,” Gill said.
He added that the tour provides an opportunity to test different combinations while giving game time to players who are still gaining experience in the format. “The combination, what kind of different combination we can try and some of the players, who haven’t had that much experience in this format especially, would get some game time. So it will be really good for us,” he explained.
Gill also welcomed the return of India’s experienced campaigners, believing their presence will strengthen the side significantly. “Yeah, definitely most of the seniors are back. We have got Virat Bhai, Rohit Bhai, KL and Boom back to the squad. So the experience is going to be massive for us,” he said, expressing confidence that the returning stars will add valuable leadership and stability throughout the series.