Karun Nair had all heads turned during the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024/25 with a blistering 779 runs in eight innings with five centuries to cap it off. The paradox was raised since the 33-year-old’s miraculous performances for Vidarbha once again posed a question of becoming a wild card in the Indian Champions Trophy 2025 squad. But the good run was late, so to speak; he was left out of the bid for the 15-man squad. India vice-captain Shubman Gill did give some insight into Karun Nair being left out.

He emphasized that there has to be a continuity that provides security to the group rather than constant changes based on domestic performances.

“Karun had a great Vijay Hazare Trophy, but it does not mean the players in the current team have to be dropped since they, too, have performed well to get to this stage.

We lost only one game last year in World Cups. While the players in the squad have done very well, it is unfortunate for the domestic performers not to have been picked. But continuous chopping and changing would only hamper the confidence of the players. You can never build a solid side without continuity.

They are a strong team; this series is important.

The three ODIs against England represent the final preparation phase for the Indian side as it heads towards the Champions Trophy beginning on February 19.

India last played ODIs in August last year when they lost the series to Sri Lanka 0-2.

“We are playing against a good side. We are not seeing these three ODIs as practice for the Champions Trophy as this is an important series for us, and we want to dominate and win this series like any other series.”

Team India are set to take on England in the 50 over format,they recently thrashed the visitors by 4-1 margin. Team India will get boosted with the presence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma who are set to be back in action after a forgetful Australia tour