Meanwhile, what will also be interesting to see is where Shreyas Iyer stands, does Rishabh Pant make the ODI side, what is KL Rahul’s role in the 50-overs side going forward. Pant played just one ODI in Sri Lanka and Hardik Pandya was not a part of the squad.

Shivam Dube, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar were the all-rounders for that tour. It will be interesting to see what the make up of the squad is like and whether Mohammed Siraj, who has bowled more than any Indian pacer in the last 18 months, gets a break as well.

However, more than anything else, the focus will be on Sharma and Kohli. The former, still the captain, has had a rough six months and is desperate for a turnaround. Kohli, too, is under pressure to deliver. Good thing for them is they are returning to their best format. They would not just want to gear up for the Champions Trophy during the three ODIs against England, but also go on to deliver another ICC title.

After the loss in Sydney, when asked about the future of the revered duo, Gambhir said that it is up to the players, but he has sent a clear message. The former captain said that the first and only parameter to make the squad would be performances.

“There are very honest players in our dressing room who know how hungry they are. As far as my question is concerned, my biggest responsibility is that I have to be fair to everyone in that room. If I am fair with only two or three individuals and not with others, then I am being dishonest to my job. So, whether it is a player who has not made a debut yet or a player who has played 100 Tests, my simple aim of my job is that I have to be absolutely fair and equal to everyone,” he had said.

How the three ODIs and the Champions Trophy go could play a significant part in shaping the future of Sharma, Kohli and also Indian cricket.