IND vs ENG 2025: India vs England, 2nd ODI - Talking Points and Who Said What

A similar template persisted as far as the ongoing ODI series between India and England is concerned. Once again, England opted to bat first on winning the toss in the second ODI of the series at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. They lost their way during the middle overs after getting off to a fast-paced start in the powerplay. The tourists ended up getting bowled out for 304. 

In response, the Indian openers were equally imposing during the first 10 overs of the run-chase. A 136-run platform set by the openers laid the way for the rest of the batters to ease their way to victory. Once again, there were a few middle-order wickets which fell during the fag end of the game. However, India overhauled the total England had posted at the end, with four wickets in hand and 33 deliveries remaining. 

Talking Points from 2nd ODI

1. England's assertive approach during the powerplay

Much like the series opener, the top-order batters of England did not hesitate while leading the charge against the Indian bowling attack during the powerplay. Ben Duckett registered 48 out of the 75 his side had posted in the powerplay. Apart from the ninth over, every other over had a minimum of one boundary conceded.

2. Jadeja's frugal display with the ball

Coming into the attack in the 16th over of England's innings, Ravindra Jadeja wasted minimal time getting involved. His very first spell produced the prized scalp of the established Duckett. Jadeja's second and third wicket of the day came from his penultimate and final over, respectively. He conceded only one boundary in his ten overs, that included a maiden.

3. Rohit plays a captain's knock, finally!

After a barren run with the bat during the last several months, Rohit Sharma led from the front in what was a truly special knock from the Indian skipper. His 32nd ODI ton was a quick fire knock, coming off only 76 deliveries. His explosive 119-run knock comprised 12 fours and seven maximums.

Also Check: Top 10 Memes from IND vs ENG, Second ODI

Who Said What?

Winning skipper and Player of the Match, Rohit Sharma said

It was good, really enjoyed being out there, scoring some runs for the team. Important game, series on the line. I broke it into pieces how I wanted to bat. It's a format that is longer than T20 cricket and a lot shorter than Tests. Still, you need to assess and bat according to the situation. I wanted to stay focused and bat as deep as possible. Looking at the pitch, when you play on black soil, the pitch [ball] tends to skid on a bit so it's important that you show the full face of the bat. Then, they were trying to bowl into the body and not give room, so I prepared my plan as well. I accessed the gaps and obviously, I got good support from Gill and then Shreyas. We enjoy batting with each other, Gill is a very very classy player. I have seen him from close quarters and he doesn't get overawed by the situation. The numbers are there as well if I'm not wrong. [On the importance of middle overs] It's quite important, the game can go either side. If you manage and squeeze in the middle overs, it helps you not to worry at the death. In both the game, even in Nagpur, we squeezed in the middle overs and even here, we squeezed in the middle overs. When you take wickets in the middle overs, you can contain the opposition. We want to keep getting better as a team. I said after the last match as well, we want to get better as a team and as players. As long guys are clear what they are supposed to do and whatever the captain and coach is saying, if they execute it, then there's not much to think about.

Losing skipper, Jos Buttler said

I thought we did a lot of things well, we got into a nice position with the bat. We needed someone to push on and get us to 350. Credit to Rohit, he batted superbly, he has been batting like this since a few years in ODI cricket. Wanted to get runs on the board, it skidded on a bit and the opposition also played well. We played the powerplay brilliant, we needed someone to kick on and a score around 330-350 would have been defendable. Just keep taking steps in the right direction, the results are not there, but we need to keep going and be positive.