Discarded India batter Hanuma Vihari has weighed in on the ongoing ODI series between India and England, suggesting that the visitors possess the momentum to secure a series whitewash. India opened the three-match series with a six-wicket victory in Birmingham on July 14. This performance provided a significant boost to head coach Gautam Gambhir, especially following the team's difficult 0-4 defeat in the preceding T20I series.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Vihari noted, "If England whitewashed the T20I series, there is a good chance India can whitewash the ODIs. They will feel relieved, especially coach Gautam Gambhir. I had predicted 2-1 before the series began, and I will still stick to it. But they will be very happy with 3-0."
Vihari praised captain Shubman Gill for his resilience during the opening match, particularly after the early departures of senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. While chasing a target of 259, India found themselves at 48/2 within the powerplay. Gill anchored the effort with a 75-ball 80, which included 11 fours and a six at a strike rate of 106.67, before eventually leaving the field retired hurt. Vihari remarked, "While playing in England, you need temperament. Look at Gill, he showed his composure, he played good cricketing shots with the new ball. He was phenomenal with the bat."
Reflecting on the squad's structure, Vihari suggested that India's ODI side appears more settled than the current T20I team. He highlighted that while the T20I team is currently in a rebuilding phase under new captain Shreyas Iyer, the ODI squad benefits from a more established leadership and the presence of experienced figures like Jasprit Bumrah. Vihari noted that the stability in the ODI team is a major advantage for Gill, stating, "Gill has Bumrah and that is a blessing." India looks to build on this momentum when they face England in the second ODI in Cardiff on Thursday, July 16.
