KKN Gurugram Desk | Team India is aiming to secure the ODI series against England in Cuttack but faces multiple challenges. Captain Rohit Sharma’s struggle with form and Virat Kohli’s likely return create selection headaches. Meanwhile, India’s bowling unit, led by Mohammed Shami, presents a strong challenge to England’s batting lineup.

With a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, India will look to seal the series when they take on Jos Buttler’s England in the second ODI on Sunday. However, Kohli’s return, Rohit’s poor form, and England’s aggressive batting approach add to the intrigue of this high-stakes clash.

Rohit Sharma’s Form a Concern for India

Rohit Sharma has been struggling for runs in all formats for quite some time now. His poor form continued in the first ODI, where he was dismissed for just two runs against Liam Livingstone.

???? Rohit’s recent struggles:

• He hasn’t scored a fifty in any format since August 2024, when he made 64 against Sri Lanka.
• His Test series against Australia was disappointing, and his white-ball form hasn’t been promising either.
• The Indian captain’s mistimed lofted shot in Nagpur reflected his desperation for runs.

With India eyeing a series win, Rohit’s return to form will be crucial, especially with the Champions Trophy around the corner.

Virat Kohli’s Possible Return – A Selection Dilemma for India

Virat Kohli missed the first ODI due to a sore knee, raising concerns about his fitness. However, he has rejoined the squad in Cuttack, and vice-captain Shubman Gill hinted at his return. If Kohli plays, India’s batting order will need reshuffling, creating a selection dilemma.

???? Who will make way for Kohli?

• Shreyas Iyer replaced Kohli in Nagpur and scored a quickfire 59 off 36 balls. Dropping him now would be a tough call.
• Yashasvi Jaiswal didn’t have much impact in the first ODI, which might see him being benched.
• If Jaiswal is dropped, Gill could open with Rohit, and Kohli would slot into his usual No.3 position.

With Kohli just 94 runs away from 14,000 ODI runs, his return will not only help strengthen India’s batting but also add experience.

Virat Kohli’s Form – Searching for Runs

While Kohli’s return is expected to boost India’s batting, his recent performances have raised questions.

???? Concerns over Kohli’s form:

• He struggled in Australia, frequently edging deliveries behind.
• His last domestic outing in the Ranji Trophy saw him dismissed for just six runs against Railways pacer Himanshu Sangwan.

???? However, ODIs remain Kohli’s strongest format:

• He is just 94 runs away from 14,000 ODI runs, a milestone achieved only by Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara.
• He could also become the fastest player to reach this landmark, ahead of Tendulkar (350 innings) and Sangakkara (378 innings).

A strong performance in Cuttack could set the tone for Kohli ahead of the Champions Trophy.

India’s Bowling Looks Strong with Mohammed Shami Leading the Attack

India’s bowling unit looks stable, with Mohammed Shami leading the pace attack after his return from injury.

✔ Shami’s impressive first ODI performance:

• He started with a maiden over and finished with 1/38 in 8 overs.
• He controlled the run flow and put England’s batters under pressure.

✔ Harshit Rana’s Mixed Debut:

• The young pacer was expensive against Phil Salt initially but came back strong.
• He dismissed Ben Duckett and Harry Brook in the same over, proving his ability to strike at key moments.

With Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness still uncertain, Harshit Rana has another opportunity to make his mark in the second ODI.

England Needs a Win to Stay Alive in the Series

For Jos Buttler’s England, the second ODI is a must-win match after their aggressive batting approach failed in Nagpur.

???? Challenges for England’s batters:

• India’s bowling attack is well-balanced with pacers and spinners, making it tough to play aggressively.
• The Cuttack pitch might assist spinners, so England needs to adjust their batting strategy.
• Buttler & Co. must find a balance between aggression and caution to counter India’s bowling lineup.

With Champions Trophy selection in focus, England will be looking to bounce back and level the series.

India vs England 2nd ODI: Predicted Playing XIs

With Kohli’s return and Rohit’s form under scrutiny, India’s playing XI could see some changes.

India’s Predicted XI:

1️⃣ Rohit Sharma (c)
2️⃣ Shubman Gill (v-c)
3️⃣ Virat Kohli
4️⃣ Shreyas Iyer / Yashasvi Jaiswal
5️⃣ KL Rahul (WK)
6️⃣ Hardik Pandya
7️⃣ Ravindra Jadeja
8️⃣ Kuldeep Yadav
9️⃣ Mohammed Shami
???? Harshit Rana
1️⃣1️⃣ Arshdeep Singh

England’s Predicted XI:

1️⃣ Jos Buttler (c)
2️⃣ Philip Salt
3️⃣ Joe Root
4️⃣ Harry Brook
5️⃣ Ben Duckett
6️⃣ Liam Livingstone
7️⃣ Jofra Archer
8️⃣ Brydon Carse
9️⃣ Mark Wood
???? Adil Rashid
1️⃣1️⃣ Gus Atkinson

If Kohli returns, Shreyas Iyer or Yashasvi Jaiswal might sit out, while England may stick with the same playing XI but make tactical adjustments.

Key Battles to Watch in India vs England 2nd ODI

⚔ Virat Kohli vs Jofra Archer – If Kohli returns, his battle with England’s top pacer will be crucial.

⚔ Rohit Sharma vs Adil Rashid – The Indian captain’s struggle against spinners could be exploited by England.

⚔ Mohammed Shami vs Jos Buttler – England’s skipper needs to counter India’s best pacer to provide his team with a strong start.

⚔ Hardik Pandya vs Liam Livingstone – A key all-rounder battle that could decide the middle-overs momentum.

The second ODI in Cuttack promises to be a thriller with India looking to seal the series and England fighting to stay alive.

???? India’s Key Focus:

• Rohit Sharma’s form revival ahead of the Champions Trophy.
• Kohli’s return and how it affects the team balance.
• Pace attack led by Mohammed Shami against England’s batters.

???? England’s Challenges:

• Overcoming India’s bowling attack, especially in spin-friendly conditions.
• Adapting their aggressive batting strategy to avoid another collapse.

With the series on the line, both teams will be under pressure. Can Rohit Sharma bounce back, or will England stage a comeback? Stay tuned for all the latest updates and match analysis!