Shubman Gill Declared Fit for Second ODI Against England
India captain confirms minor cramps issue will not keep him out of the Cardiff clash.
India are set to field an unchanged winning combination for the second ODI against England at Sophia Gardens on Thursday. Captain Shubman Gill, who retired hurt due to cramps in the series opener, has confirmed he is fit to play, allaying any fitness concerns. The visitors hold a 1-0 lead after a comfortable six-wicket victory in Birmingham.
Rohit Sharma and Gill are expected to open the batting, despite Rohit's early dismissal in the first match. His outstanding record in England—averaging 62.56 with seven centuries—makes him undroppable. Virat Kohli will slot in at number three, seeking to bounce back after a low score. Shreyas Iyer, who played a gritty 35 off 53 balls in the first game, will continue at number four.
The middle order features KL Rahul as wicketkeeper, followed by all-rounders Washington Sundar and Shivam Dube. The bowling attack is likely to comprise spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel, along with pacers Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, providing a balanced lineup aiming to seal the series.