New Delhi. Captain Shubman Gill’s fitness and Rohit Sharma’s form are big concerns for India as they look to clinch a much-needed series win in the second ODI against England here on Wednesday. India’s six-wicket win in the first match in Birmingham gave them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, but it also highlighted some worrying aspects of the team’s performance. Batting on 80, Gill had to leave the field in obvious pain and India will hope it was nothing more than cramps. A similar exit during Gill’s first Test against South Africa in Kolkata last year had resulted in him being hospitalised, making him unavailable for that match. Therefore, the Men in Blue would not want another such incident as Gill’s presence is essential as a leader and a tone-setting opener.
Gill’s opening partner Rohit has no such fitness problems, the management will definitely look into his batting statistics. The Mumbai player had given up his bold aggression after losing the captaincy, but the changed approach has not paid any big dividends yet. The ‘Hitman’ has played only 13 ODIs as a senior member of the team since October last year, scoring 563 runs at an average of 46.91 with one century and four half-centuries. This is not a record to scoff at. But the current dynamics within the Indian dressing room and the absence of the safety net of captaincy around him have made it imperative for Rohit to perform on almost every outing.
Rohit- Expecting amazing results from Virat in Cardiff
It would be difficult to imagine that Rohit will be out of contention in the race for the 2027 ODI World Cup even if he suffers a few more failures, but the way the think tank looked at Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson recently gives them a warning. At the age of 39, Rohit will not want to leave anything to chance as India also have an explosive top-order option in Ishan Kishan. Comparatively, Kohli, another one-format player, is in a better position in terms of both fitness and statistics. Since October 1, 2025, the 37-year-old has scored 621 runs in 10 matches at an average of 77.62, which includes three centuries and as many half-centuries. Therefore, Delhi players would expect more kind treatment from the management this time.
Bumrah brought relief to the team
A big positive for India is that fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah returned to the 50-over format for the first time since the 2023 World Cup final. It was a pleasure to see them. Bumrah regained his magic after a temporary dip in form during this year’s IPL, where he struggled for rhythm and wickets. Similarly, the management will also be very happy with the return to form of all-rounders Akshar Patel and Washington Sundar. After the Edgbaston win, Gill had hinted that the management would try different combinations depending on the conditions. The Sophia Gardens pitch often provides good bounce and carry, keeping fast bowlers firmly in the mix. In this context, India can replace Gurnoor Brar with experienced left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh. Brar took the wickets of Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethel but gave away 61 runs in nine overs.
How many changes in the team?
The top brass of the team feel the need for more experience in the bowling line-up in an important match. But it also means that left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav will, in all likelihood, remain in the dugout. Both Shivam Dubey and Washington performed well in the last match against England to get another chance. From England’s perspective, they will be hoping for more goal efforts from the top-order batsmen to end the painful streak of 13 defeats in 19 ODIs from 2025. But Harry Brook’s side have a fair record in Cardiff, having won 10 of the 17 matches they have played here, while losing only three.
India: Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Shivam Dubey, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar, Prince Yadav.
England: Harry Brook (captain), Ben Duckett, Jos Buttler (wk), Tom Banton, Joe Root, Jacob Bethel, Will Jacques, Rehan Ahmed, Liam Dawson, James Coles, Sam Curran, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Jos Tong, Saqib Mahmood, Adil Rashid.
