Joe Root Returns to England ODI Squad

England's cricket team has announced its squads for the upcoming ODI tour of India and the ICC Champions Trophy, with Joe Root making a return to the ODI format after missing out since the 2023 World Cup. Ben Stokes, the Test team captain, will not participate due to a hamstring injury sustained during a recent Test match against New Zealand. Jos Buttler will captain both the ODI and T20I squads, with the T20I series commencing on January 22 in Kolkata and the ODIs starting on February 6 in Nagpur. The squads mark Brendon McCullum's first foray as England's white-ball head coach, aiming to rejuvenate the team following a challenging World Cup campaign. Notable inclusions alongside Root are Mark Wood, returning from injury, and Rehan Ahmed in the T20I squad. The series against India is a precursor to England's participation in the Champions Trophy hosted in Pakistan.