As India looks to secure a much-needed series victory against England in the second ODI on Wednesday, captain Shubman Gill’s fitness and Rohit Sharma’s form are big worries. India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after winning the opening game in Birmingham by 6 wickets, but it also revealed several concerning aspects of the team’s play.
Gill had to leave the field in excruciating pain while batting on 80, and India would hope that it was only cramps. Gill was hospitalized following a similar exit during the first Test match against South Africa in Kolkata last year, which prevented him from playing the rest of the match. Gill’s presence is crucial as a leader and a tone-setter, so the Men in Blue won’t want an encore.
The management would undoubtedly consider his batting statistics even though his opening partner Rohit does not have any such fitness concerns. Since losing captaincy, the Mumbai player seems to have put his blatant aggression on hold, but the new strategy hasn’t yet paid off.
Since October of last year, the “Hitman” has participated in 13 ODIs as a senior member of the team, scoring 563 runs at an average of 46.91 with a hundred and four fifties.
However, Rohit has to perform well on practically every game due to the current dynamics in the Indian dressing room and the lack of captaincy as a safety net. Even if Rohit has a few more setbacks, it would be unrealistic to expect him to be out of the running for the 2027 ODI World Cup, but the manner the think tank recently examined Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson serves as a caution to him.
Given that India also has an explosive top-order option in Ishan Kishan in the shed, Rohit, 39, would prefer not to leave anything to chance.
In contrast, Kohli, another one-format player, is performing better statistically and in terms of fitness. The 37-year-old has scored 621 runs at an average of 77.62 from 10 games since October 1, 2025, with three hundreds and an equal number of fifties. Therefore, the Delhi man would anticipate much better treatment from the management right now.
Jasprit Bumrah’s comeback to the 50-over format for the first time since the 2023 World Cup final is a huge plus for India. It was fun to see him. After a brief dip in form during this year’s IPL, when he battled for rhythm and wickets, Bumrah appeared to have found his mojo again.
In a similar vein, the management would be quite happy with the form of all-rounders Washington Sundar and Axar Patel.
Gill had stated that the management would experiment with various combinations based on the circumstances following the Edgbaston victory. Pacers are kept firmly in the mix by the Sophia Gardens pitch’s frequent strong bounce and carry.
In that situation, India can replace Gurnoor Brar with seasoned left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh. Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell were removed by Brar, although he gave up 61 runs in nine overs.
Therefore, if the thinktank believes that the bowling lineup needs more experience in a pivotal game, Arshdeep may be added to the XI. However, it also implies that left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav will probably stay in the dugout. Washington and Shivam Dube both performed well enough in the last game to deserve another chance against England.
In order to put a stop to a painful run of 13 losses in 19 ODIs since 2025, England will anticipate a more comprehensive performance from the top-order hitters. However, Harry Brook’s team has a respectable record in Cardiff, having won ten of their seventeen games while losing only three.
India vs England Head-to-Head:
In the 111 ODIs that India and England have played, India has won 62 of them, while England has won 44. Three games ended in a no-result, and two were tied.
India vs England Pitch Report:
Although it usually helps seamers early on, the pitch at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff is anticipated to be a balanced, batting-friendly surface with good pace and bounce. Pacers may find swing under the lights in overcast conditions, which would make chasing a preferred target.
India vs England Weather Report:
The weather for the second ODI between India and England at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff is predicted to be warm and clear, with no chance of rain, enabling a full 50-over match.
India vs England Probable XIs:
India: Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (vc), KL Rahul (wk), Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh
England: Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Adil Rashid
FAQs:
When is the 2nd ODI between India and England scheduled?
The 2nd ODI between India and England is scheduled on Thursday, July 16, 2026.
What time does the 2nd ODI between India and England scheduled to start?
The 2nd ODI between India and England will start at 5:30 PM IST.
Where is the 2nd ODI between India and England scheduled to take place?
The 2nd ODI between India and England is scheduled to be played at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff.
Which TV channel will broadcast the 2nd ODI between India and England?
The 2nd ODI between India and England will be broadcast on Sony Sports Network.
Where can one catch the live streaming of the 2nd ODI between India and England?
The live streaming of the 2nd ODI between India and England will be available on Jio Hotstar.
