Virat Kohli Returns: Predicted India Batting Line-up for 2nd ODI vs England
Kohli’s Return Strengthens India for 2nd ODI vs England. After winning the 1st ODI in Rajkot, India prepares for the 2nd match. The big news? Virat Kohli is returning. The star batter missed the first game because of a right knee injury. This raises concerns about whether he will be ready for the Champions Trophy. However, latest reports confirm that Kohli is fit and ready to play.
Kohli’s return raises a tough question for the team: who will sit out in India’s batting order?
Why Did Virat Kohli Miss the 1st ODI?
Before the first game, captain Rohit Sharma said Kohli hurt his right knee right before the match. As a precautionary measure, the team decided to rest him for the first ODI in Nagpur.
With Kohli fit again, the Indian batting order needs a shuffle to fit in the former captain.
How India’s Batting Line-up Looked Without Kohli
- Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal opened the innings
- Shubman Gill batted at No. 3
- Shreyas Iyer came in at No. 4 and played a match-winning knock
If Kohli had played, Shreyas Iyer would likely have missed out. But after Iyer’s strong showing in the 1st ODI, the selection dilemma is even more interesting.
Will Yashasvi Jaiswal Be Dropped?
Despite his potential, Jaiswal might be the unfortunate casualty of Kohli’s return. Given that:
- Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer played key roles in India’s win, so it’s unlikely either will be dropped.
- Kohli prefers batting at No. 3, meaning a reshuffle is necessary.
If Jaiswal doesn’t play, Gill will probably open with Rohit Sharma. Then, Kohli will take back the No. 3 spot.
Why KL Rahul Deserves Another Chance
KL Rahul dropped down the order in the 1st ODI. Axar Patel moved up to bat before him. This was a tactical choice against England’s spinners, Adil Rashid and Jacob Bethell.
Rahul is still a key player. Since Rishabh Pant isn’t in the XI, India will likely keep him as the main wicketkeeper. He could be given more time at the crease in the 2nd ODI to prove his form.
India’s Probable XI for 2nd ODI With Kohli Back
With Kohli returning, this could be India’s likely playing XI:
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul (WK)
- Axar Patel
- Hardik Pandya
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Harshit Rana
- Mohammed Shami
Key Changes:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal might miss out
- Gill moves to the opening slot
- Kohli takes his preferred No. 3 position
