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After the humbling T20I series defeat, Team India couldn't have asked for a better comeback. The visitors shrugged off the 0-4 embarrassment and announced their arrival in the ODI format with a composed six-wicket victory over England in the first ODI at Edgbaston. But beyond the win, there was a bigger story unfolding – India were using this series as a testing ground for the grandest stage of all: the 2027 World Cup. Captain Shubman Gill, who led from the front with a steady hand, made no bones about the team's approach. In the post-match presentation, he revealed that the think tank is deliberately experimenting with batting and bowling combinations to find the perfect balance for the mega tournament in South Africa.

One of the boldest moves was promoting Washington Sundar to No. 5  ahead of the experienced KL Rahul. And the all-rounder repaid that faith in stunning fashion, remaining unbeaten on 52 off 63 balls, studded with six boundaries and a towering six. Gill explained the rationale behind the experiments: "We are really trying different combinations to see which kind of combination gives us best depth in bowling and batting, in both departments." He pointed out that the Edgbaston pitch offered conditions similar to what they expect in South Africa: tricky with the new ball, with seam movement and bounce making strokeplay difficult initially. "It wasn't easy for the batsmen with the new ball. The ball was doing a bit, the ball was kicking off. But the wicket settled in nicely, and I think the conditions are going to play similarly in South Africa as well," he added.

The run chase of 259 was far from a cakewalk. India lost Rohit Sharma early; the opener managed just 11 runs off 21 balls before Sam Curran sent him back. Then came the shock of Virat Kohli's dismissal for a mere 5, caught off Jofra Archer's fiery pace. At 31/2, India were wobbling. But Gill steadied the ship with a composed knock, and Sundar's promotion proved to be the masterstroke that turned the game.

India chased down the target in 45.2 overs, finishing at 262/4. This victory was also special for another reason: it marked only the second time since 2016 that India have successfully chased a 250-plus total in ODIs without either Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli scoring a half-century. It was a statement that this new-look Indian team is not dependent on the legends alone. The depth, the flexibility, and the willingness to experiment all of it pointed towards one clear goal: the 2027 World Cup. For Gautam Gambhir and his captain Gill, this was more than just a win. It was the first step of a long journey, and the signs were promising.