Birmingham, July 13 -- Indian skipper Shubman Gill highlighted the importance of icons Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to India's batting unit, calling them the backbone of the team over the past decade.

He said their experience, consistency and ability to perform across different conditions make them valuable assets, while also discussing the need to explore combinations and identify players ahead of next year's ODI World Cup in South Africa.

Gill was speaking to the reporters on the eve of India's first ODI against England in Birmingham on Monday.

India will begin their preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, with Gill set to lead a star-studded side featuring Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah in the England ...