India, Feb. 5 -- Whether India will play a practice game in Dubai is still uncertain, but the three-match ODI series against England, which begins on Thursday, will be their final preparations before the Champions Trophy. What makes it even more important is that India last played an ODI series in August, where they lost 0-2 against Sri Lanka, despite featuring a full-strength side. It was also Gautam Gambhir's first ODI assignment as the head coach. Hence, the team has questions to answer in the England ODI series before leaving for the UAE next week.

Much is at stake for India's two most senior batters, who have been struggling to find form, subsequently sparking retirement talks. Looking past their poor run in red-ball cricket, which ...