India made a stunning comeback in the first ODI against England and defeated them by 66 runs. At one point the England openers were running away with the contest but Indian bowlers stood up and produced a remarkable turnaround. Now the focus shifts to the 2nd ODI of the series which will be played on Friday in Pune.
In the last match two premier batsmen of India, Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer injured themselves and couldn’t take much part in the field. In this feature, we look ahead at the predicted XI of team India for the second T20I. If Rohit and Shreyas are unable to play who are their likely replacement when India will be aiming to finish the series in the second ODI itself.
India’s Predicted XI For The 2nd ODI Against England
1. Shikhar Dhawan
After his brilliant man of the match performance in the 1st ODI, Dhawan has silenced all his critics. Dhawan scored 98 and was the highest run-scorer of the Indian innings in the opening ODI. He may have missed a century but Dhawan was happy to contribute to India’s win which he will be looking to replicate in the second encounter.
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2. Rohit Sharma
As mentioned earlier Rohit Sharma got an injury scare in the first ODI when he has hit on his left elbow. Rohit continued bating but didn’t take any part in the field as the management did not want him to exaggerate his injury. It seems Rohit has recovered and will be available for the second ODI which is a huge plus for team India. The Indian opener will be motivated to score a big one and help India win yet another bilateral series.
3. Virat Kohli ©
The Indian captain Virat Kohli looked in supreme touch in the first ODI as he registered yet another fifty. Kohli was brilliant as a captain when the chips were down during the run chase. His bowling changes and field placements were perfect as India stunned England to take a 1-0 lead. Come to the second match as usual Kohli will be striving to lead from the front and lead India to an ODI series win against the number 1 ranked England side.
4. Suryakumar Yadav
Shreyas Iyer is unlikely to play in the second ODI after he hurt his shoulder while trying to save a boundary. In his place, India is expected to give Suryakumar Yadav his ODI debut cap after his brilliant batting performance in the T20I series. Surya is likely to bat 4 and will be playing his natural game to give momentum to the India innings in the middle overs.
5. KL Rahul (WK)
The form is temporary but class is permanent, KL Rahul showcased this in the opening ODI. The Indian wicket-keeper batsman came roaring back into form and smashed a quickfire half-century to take India’s total beyond 300. Since the time Rahul has started batting at 5 in ODIs he has been unstoppable and has rapidly scored runs during the end overs. Rahul will again be determined to produce yet another amazing knock and help India win the ODI series.
6. Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya had a quite first game as he scored 1 from 9 balls and then didn’t bowl during the run chase. However, Pandya has been in terrific form and is never far away from producing a match-winning knock. The first match belonged to Krunal and the second might be Hardik’s match as he is an all-out match-winner in white-ball cricket.
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7. Krunal Pandya
Krunal Pandya had a dream ODI debut against England as he smashed the fastest ODI half-century on debut. An emotional Krunal Pandya played the game-changing innings towards the end and his runs, in the end, proved to be the difference between the two sides.
The all-rounder will look to continue his dream run and make a good impression in the absence of Ravindra Jadeja.
8. Shardul Thakur
Shardul Thakur with each game continues to impress with his uncanny knack of picking up key wickets. Thakur completely changed the match when he dented England with 3 wickets in the middle after which they couldn’t get any sort of moment through their innings.
All eyes will be on Thakur again in the second ODI as he is turning out to be a match-winner for India in white-ball cricket.
9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bhuvneshwar Kumar will again be leading India’s bowling attack in the second ODI. The seasoned fast bowler was once again economical and also provided India with two crucial breakthroughs. Bhuvneshwar will be a key weapon for India as the Pune pitch has a hint of swing with the new ball which he can exploit and put England under pressure straight away.
10. Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav had a disappointing match as he looked rusty and wasn’t in control of his line and length. Nevertheless, the management is expected to stick with Kuldeep as he played a match after a long time. Kuldeep will have to improve and second ODI will be a perfect stage for him to perform and become a permanent fixture in India’s ODI playing XI.
11. Prasidh Krishna
Last but not least is Prasidh Krishna who had a brilliant ODI debut. Krishna showed his ability to pick wickets and ended the match with a 4 wicket haul. In the second ODI England will again come hard at Krishna so it will be interesting to see how he responds and bowls the pressure overs.
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