ENG vs IND 2026, 1st ODI: Why are Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav Not in India Playing XI for Today's Match Against England?

India is locking horns with England in a three-match ODI series, with the first match underway at Edgbaston, Birmingham. The mission for the ICC World Cup 2027 has officially begun with skipper Shubman Gill announcing that he has been taking advice from Virat Kohli to keep an eye on a bunch of players for the biggest stage of the game.

As the toss of ENG vs IND 1st ODI happened, which was won by England skipper Harry Brook, who went on to choose to bat first. However, England had already announced their Playing 11 yesterday, as Gill announced the Playing 11 for this match; the names of Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav were missing from the side, as both are main players of the team. This article will help you understand the reason behind Arshdeep Singh misses the ODI opener, along with Kuldeep Yadav, who also misses the game.

Why Arshdeep Singh is Not Playing Today Against England?

The left-arm pacer from Punjab, Arshdeep Singh, is missing from the 1st ODI, and there is no specific reason behind him being on the bench for this match, as key players of the ODI setup are back in the team, and he might likely be rested for this match after being part of the T20I series. There is no report of Arshdeep Singh injury, although he has made way for the best bowler in India, Jasprit Bumrah, who is announced as Arshdeep Singh replacement for this match. Jasprit Bumrah is returning to the side after 968 days, since the final match of the ICC World Cup 2023 was his last ODI match.

Why Kuldeep Yadav is Not Playing Today in 1st ODI?

There were no expectations that management would make Kuldeep Yadav to miss England match. The left-arm wrist spinner has been missing from the Playing 11, and Kuldeep's recent form as well as team combinations could be the reason for his absence from the Playing 11. However, the management has decided to go with Washington Sundar, keeping in mind the left-handers in the opposition, and Sundar, as a right-arm off-spinner, could play a key role against them.