India playing XI for 2nd T20 – IND vs ENG: Big Breaking News Coming in Ishan Kishan & SuryaKumar Yadav are making their debuts today. Mumbai Indians are getting included in the playing XI.
Before the T20 series started, India were the clear favourites to win the five-match series, however, all the claims fell on its face after England thrashed India in the first T20 international on Friday. India’s team selection came under the scanner after the hosts suffered an eight-wicket win. The biggest question was why did Virat Kohli and the team management decide to rest Rohit Sharma? Nonetheless, the skipper has promised to make a strong ‘comeback’ and is likely to make some changes to India’s playing XI for the second T20 on Sunday.
- Change 1 – Rohit Sharma to be drafted in playing XI instead of Shikhar Dhawan
- Change 2 – Dropping 1 spinner and getting SuryaKumar Yadav in the line up. Most likely India will drop Axar Patel to accomodate Yadav
India playing XI for 2nd T20: India to likely make two changes
The gamble of playing Shikhar Dhawan or KL Rahul ahead of Sharma did not pay off. Both the Indian openers were dismissed for single digits in the powerplay cheaply. While Dhawan managed just 4 runs, Rahul scored just 1. This had put pressure on Kohli, who also failed miserably and was removed by Adil Rashid for a golden duck.
FOLLOW LIVE UPDATES for 2nd T20 HERE: Virat Kohli & India targets comeback
Sharma is a good player of the new ball and the plethora of shots in his batting arsenal gives him an edge over his competitors. Also, his current form in red-ball cricket is an extra bonus.
India is likely to bring ‘Hitman’ back to the Indian playing XI, and the fight will be between Rahul and Dhawan.
If Kohli’s conference before the 1st T20 is taken into consideration, Sharma and Rahul will be India’s first choice for opening slots. The Indian skipper will resume his duties at the No.3 position.
India’s playing XI for 2nd T20: Middle Order to get one change
Shreyas Iyer secured his position at the No.4 spot, after a brilliant 67 off 48 balls. However, India lacked firepower at No.5.
Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav give the hosts the option to add an extra batsman on a batting-friendly pitch. Out of them Suryakumar will be the frontrunner given his IPL performance and strike-rate.
ALSO READ| Sehwag upset with resting Rohit Sharma, says ‘My TV will be turned off if he does not play’
The No.6 and 7 will certainly be occupied by Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya. However, it is also worth noting that Pant can be sent higher up the order, according to the situation.
India’s playing XI for 2nd T20: Two pacers and two spinners
On a pitch, which is made from black soil instead of red, the game will be ruled by the fast bowlers. On Friday, out of the nine wickets fallen, six were chipped by the pace battery. Also, with the dew factor coming into play, it is better to have more batsmen than bowlers in the India playing XI.
ALSO READ| Franchises very happy with sponsors response, ‘IPL teams inventory almost sold-out’
India, who played with three spinners and two pacers, might look to sacrifice Axar Patel and opt for Suryakumar. The local boy did not have a good outing, and conceded 24 runs in three overs.
As for the pace department, India will look to retain Shardul Thakur and Bhuvneshwar Kumar for another match before looking for a possible change.
India’s Likely playing XI for 2nd T20 : Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Shardul Thakur, Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
