On Saturday, July 18, 2026, India’s High Commissioner to the UK, Kumaran Periasamy, welcomed the Indian men’s cricket team to India House in London, just a day before their pivotal third ODI against England. The event saw notable figures like BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla, head coach Gautam Gambhir, captain Shubman Gill, and veteran batters Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli come together. They discussed ways to strengthen connections with the Indian community in the UK, reminisced about unforgettable tours of England, and geared up the team for the important match at Lord’s.
India is gearing up for the third ODI at Lord’s Cricket Ground, with the three-match series all tied at 1-1. After a solid win in the opener at Edgbaston by six wickets, India faced a setback in Cardiff, losing by four wickets. A win at Lord’s would not only secure a rare ODI series victory in England but also end a 22-year wait, marking one of the team's most significant achievements abroad in recent history.
India Set Sights on 2-1 Series Win in 3rd ODI Against England
The final ODI is shaping up to be an exhilarating decider, with both teams coming in with one win each. India is itching to bounce back after a tough T20I series, where they faced a 0-4 defeat, and they’re determined to wrap up their England tour on a high note with an ODI series victory. All eyes will be on Rohit Sharma, especially after his scores of 11 and 26, which have sparked discussions about his future.
While the BCCI has brushed off any retirement rumors, a solid performance at the iconic Home of Cricket could shift the narrative back to his batting prowess. On the flip side, England will be riding high on Joe Root’s impressive unbeaten 99 in Cardiff, while also contemplating whether to bolster their pace attack or stick with an extra spinner, depending on the conditions at Lord’s.
India’s seasoned players might just hold the key to success. Virat Kohli is coming off a smooth 65 in the last match, and Shubman Gill has shown promise but is still on the hunt for that defining century. Shreyas Iyer has been adept at handling England’s spin bowlers, providing much-needed stability in the middle order. However, Washington Sundar’s hamstring injury has thrown a wrench in India’s balance, leading to Harsh Dubey stepping in as his replacement. This situation might also pave the way for Kuldeep Yadav to make a comeback.
The bowling attack will once again look to Jasprit Bumrah to make early inroads and stop England from forming partnerships around Root. Bowling coach Morne Morkel has emphasized the importance of patience with the bat and the need for more wickets during the middle overs. India will also aim to capitalize on the conditions at Lord’s, where first-innings totals in the range of 240-250 are typically competitive. A strong powerplay and early breakthroughs with the ball could very well determine if India walks away from London with a historic series win.
