India vs England: India's predicted playing XI for second ODI

India will be looking to seal the three-match ODI series when they lock horns against England in the second game on Friday (March 26). The hosts are high on confidence after winning the first ODI by 66 runs. England did test India on some occasions but the Men in Blue were in command for the majority of the match.

Asked to bat first, the home side scored 317/5 in the allotted 50 overs with Shikhar Dhawan (98), Virat Kohli (56), KL Rahul (62*) and Krunal Pandya (58*) scoring fifties. In reply, England started well and raced away to 135 for no loss in just 14 overs before suffering a collapse. They were eventually all-out for 251 inside 43 overs. And as high-flying India eye a series-clinching win, we are taking a look at the team they can field for the second ODI.

Here is India’s predicted XI for the second ODI against England

Openers – Shubman Gill, Shikhar Dhawan

With Rohit Sharma picking up an elbow injury in the first ODI, he looks set to miss the upcoming game. The right-hander was hit on the right elbow while batting and looked in pain throughout before Ben Stokes dismissed him for 28. Rohit is likely to be replaced by young Shubman Gill whose last appearance in ODIs came during the series in Australia last year.

Incumbent Shikhar Dhawan would be the other opener. The senior star has started the series on a brilliant note. He scored 98 runs and was the highest scorer in the series-opener. With Rohit likely to miss the second ODI, the onus will be on Dhawan to give India another good start with the bat.

Middle-order batsmen – Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav

Skipper Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Suryakumar Yadav look set to form India’s middle-order in the second game. Both Kohli and Rahul had fine outings in the first ODI and would be looking to continue their good form. Kohli looked in good touch and scored 56 off just 60 deliveries. Rahul, on the other hand, scored an unbeaten 62 to guide India to the big total.

Suryakumar is looking set to make his ODI debut in the second match as Shreyas Iyer is likely to miss out due to an injury. Iyer injured his shoulder during England’s innings and walked off the field. Suryakumar has already impressed in the T20Is and will be looking to come up with a similar performance in ODIs too.

All-rounders – Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya

The Pandya brothers will be the all-rounders in the team for the crucial clash. The brothers had a contrasting outing in the first ODI. While Krunal, who was making his ODI debut, impressed one and all, Hardik failed to do so. Krunal bailed India out of trouble by scoring a 26-ball fifty and remained unbeaten on 58.

He also picked up a wicket with his left-arm spin. Hardik, on the other hand, failed to deliver with the bat. Coming ahead of his elder brother in the batting order, Hardik managed just 1 run off nine balls and did not bowl. Hardik would be eyeing an improved show in the second ODI while Krunal would be looking to continue his fine start in ODIs.

Bowlers – Shardul Thakur, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna

India’s bowlers had a good outing in the first ODI. Barring spinner Kuldeep Yadav, the other three – Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Prasidh Krishna, Shardul Thakur – enjoyed productive outings. Debutant Prasidh was the pick of the bowlers as he picked up four wickets and also provided India the first breakthrough. Thakur, on the other, picked up three huge wickets that completely derailed England’s chase.

Bhuvneshwar picked up two wickets too and was more importantly very economical with the ball. He gave away just 30 runs in his nine overs. As far as Kuldeep is concerned, the left-arm spinner had another game to forget. He could not pick up any wicket and conceded 68 runs in 9 overs. Kuldeep, however, looks set to get another chance.