3 changes Team India might make if Rohit Sharma misses the second ODI

After winning the Test and T20I series, the Indian team began the ODI series with another outstanding performance. Having won the first encounter of the three-match series, Team India would be aware that they need to win just another game to seal the series and put some points against their name in the ICC ODI World Cup Super League points table. 

Even after winning the first match by 66 runs, the Indian team has faced an injury situation. Vice-captain Rohit Sharma is at the risk of missing the second ODI match. He contributed 28 runs from 42 balls in the first match. During his innings though, a 148 kph ball from Mark Wood hit him on the right elbow. 

After being hit, the Indian opening batsman didn’t further take any part in the match. Given his injury concerns, India might be forced to make a change in their line-up. With several players sitting out, there are a number of combinations that captain Virat Kohli can choose from.

Here are the 3 changes Team India might make if Rohit Sharma misses the second ODI

1. KL Rahul opens, Rishabh Pant comes in

Delhi wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has been in really good form with the bat in recent times. His form in the red-ball matches which India have played in recent times has allowed him to get back his spot in the ODI and T20I teams. He played all the five T20Is as the wicketkeeper in the side. Hence, a lot of speculations had suggested that he will continue that role in the ODIs as well. 

However, that wasn’t the case. Captain Virat Kohli stuck to KL Rahul as the wicketkeeper in the ODI team. Rahul’s 43 ball-62 solidified his spot in the side after a poor run of scores in the T20Is and rubbed off all the ‘out of form’ talks regarding him. But, Rahul’s versatility allows him to be a great option for opening the innings. 

When opening the batting in ODIs, Rahul’s record is just too good to ignore. He averages slightly more than 50 when he opens the innings for India. He also has three centuries and five half-centuries from 18 innings at the top of the order. Rahul’s promotion will also allow Pant to come into the ODI team and play a 50 overs match for the first time since January 2020.