In Nagpur, Virat Kohli missed the first ODI of the India vs England series due to a knee injury. However, his absence didn’t affect the Rohit Sharma-led side, as they cruised to an easy victory. Batting at No. 3, Shubman Gill stepped up in Kohli’s absence, playing a brilliant knock of 87 runs off 96 balls. His match-winning performance earned him the Man of the Match award.
Will Virat Kohli play 2nd ODI? Shubman Gill answers
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Gill provided an update on Virat Kohli’s fitness, assuring that he would be ready for the 2nd ODI in Cuttack. “Virat Kohli bhai had knee swelling, but there’s nothing to worry about. He will be fit and fine for the next match,” said Gill.
However, making a change to a winning XI is often difficult. Shubman Gill, who batted at No. 3 in Kohli’s absence, played a crucial knock of 87 runs, and India wouldn’t want to bench him for the second ODI. Shreyas Iyer also contributed with a fifty in Nagpur, making it unlikely that he will be dropped to accommodate Kohli.
As a result, India is most likely to bench Yashasvi Jaiswal for the second match to bring Kohli back into the XI. Jaiswal made his ODI debut in Nagpur and scored 15 runs off 22 balls. If Kohli replaces him, India will have to adjust their batting order. In that case, Shubman Gill would move up to open alongside Rohit Sharma, while Kohli would reclaim his No. 3 position.
The second ODI of the India vs England series will be played at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on February 9. This will be Cuttack’s first ODI since 2019. India has not lost an ODI at this venue since 2003 and is currently on a seven-match winning streak at the ground.