The second match of the three-game ODI series between India and England is underway at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, and India's playing eleven carries a surprise change. Star batter KL Rahul is not featuring in today's game. The series had begun on 14 July at Edgbaston, where India won the opening match to take a 1-0 lead. For this second match, hosts England won the toss and chose to bowl first. England have also made two changes to their side, bringing in Gus Atkinson and Saqib Mahmood while Josh Tongue and Liam Dawson have been left out.
Why Ishan Kishan Replaces KL Rahul
Speaking immediately after the toss, India captain Shubman Gill explained the reason behind the change in the playing eleven. He said there was only one change to the side, KL Rahul is unwell, and wicketkeeper batter Ishan Kishan has been brought in as his replacement. On losing the toss, Gill said that had India won it, they too would have chosen to bowl first, since the side is fully fit and in good rhythm. He described the previous game's performance as a perfect outing and said the team would look to repeat that same effort in this match. Gill also praised his fast bowlers specifically, saying the way they fought back in the latter half of the first ODI was excellent to watch.
How India Won the First ODI
In the series opener, India beat England by 6 wickets to register their first win of the tour. India's bowlers were disciplined throughout, bowling England out for just 258 runs. In reply, India chased down the target of 259 in 45.2 overs with 6 wickets to spare. Captain Shubman Gill played a brilliant knock of 80 runs off 75 balls, though he had to leave the field retired hurt after picking up an injury. All-rounder Axar Patel starred with both bat and ball, first picking up 4 wickets and then scoring an unbeaten 57 to guide India home. Washington Sundar gave Axar strong support at the other end, also returning unbeaten after bringing up a half-century. India now walk into the Cardiff clash hoping to replicate that same performance.
Playing XIs of Both Teams
India Playing XI:
- Rohit Sharma
- Shubman Gill (captain)
- Virat Kohli
- Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper)
- Shreyas Iyer
- Washington Sundar
- Shivam Dube
- Axar Patel
- Gurnoor Brar
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Prasidh Krishna
England Playing XI:
- Ben Duckett
- Jacob Bethell
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook (captain)
- Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper)
- Sam Curran
- Will Jacks
- Gus Atkinson
- Jofra Archer
- Adil Rashid
- Saqib Mahmood
