India vs England: Iyer continues sublime form, Kohli returns with fifty

While the ICC Champions Trophy remains the top priority of this ODI season, India will be cherishing their absolute decimation of England. The three-match ODI series has concluded in a 3-0 whitewash for the hosts over the English. The group, largely the same set to play in the ICC event, has given few to no chances for complaint. Moreover, what was left to be seen was completed in the final match of the series as Virat Kohli redeemed his form with a half-century in Ahmedabad. While doubts loom over their pace department, India surely looks in seamless form as far as batting is concerned. The India vs England series proved to be a fruitful event for the Indian batters as the likes of Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and skipper Rohit Sharma showcased their abilities.

Gill breathes fire, Iyer remains consistent: India display a fit batting order ahead of ICC Champions Trophy

The series started with a lot of angst among the fans over the disappointing form of Indian batters, fueled by their BGT performances. However, at the conclusion of the India vs England ODIs, it has emerged that the batting department is the most promising aspect of the side as they look ahead to the Champions Trophy. The team's vice-captain, Shubman Gill, has displayed an effortless case of ODI brilliance with two half-centuries and a century across the matches. Coming close to a ton in both the previous matches, Gill finally locked in one in Ahmedabad, his proven hunting ground. Moreover, concerns over the form of senior picks Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were dashed by the end of the series.

While Rohit departed at a lowly 1 in Ahmedabad, his scintillating ton in Cuttack removed all doubts over his form ahead of the Champions Trophy. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, who missed the opening ODI due to knee swelling, finally rode the comeback trail as he announced himself in the format with a nice-looking 52 in the final match. However, what remained the highlight of India's batting department was the performance of Shreyas Iyer.

Not even in the team's original plans for the series, Shreyas found a way into the Playing XI when Kohli missed out. Taking the chance, Iyer smashed a quick-fire fifty in the match as he aided Gill's anchoring innings to script a win for India. Deservingly, the middle-order batter cemented the No.4 position for himself as he knocked 44 in the second match, looking as good as a half-century if not for a mix-up with Axar Patel that resulted in Iyer being run out in Cuttack. However, Iyer's form didn't take a hit, as the batter, amid Gill's century, recorded another half-century in the final ODI. Showcasing a serious case of consistency, Iyer looks poised to take a permanent spot in India's Playing XI for the ICC Champions Trophy.