Gambhir's Strategy Could Omit Shreyas Iyer for Second ODI Against England as Virat Kohli Returns; Jaiswal Likely to Retain His Spot
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Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak refrained from disclosing which player returning Virat Kohli would replace in the playing XI for the second ODI against England in Cuttack. However, reports suggest that Shreyas Iyer is likely to be the one to make way for the former captain.
Kohli was unable to participate in the opening match in Nagpur earlier this week due to a swollen knee. Initially, it was speculated that Yashasvi Jaiswal debuted at the top of the order due to Kohli's absence. Nonetheless, Iyer later clarified that he had not anticipated playing until captain Rohit Sharma informed him the night before the match about Kohli's injury.
This revelation surprised broadcasters and came shortly after Iyer's impressive performance, scoring 59 runs off 36 balls in India's four-wicket victory in Nagpur. Reflecting on his unexpected inclusion in the first ODI, Iyer remarked, "I was watching a movie last night, thinking I could stay up late, but then I received a call from the skipper indicating that I might need to play because Virat had a swollen knee. I hurried back to my room and went straight to sleep."
Cuttack training hints at India XI
A report from PTI indicates that during India's training session in Cuttack on Saturday, the team appeared poised to make only a single alteration to the playing XI, with Iyer likely being replaced by Kohli. The 30-year-old was conspicuously absent from the optional practice session, along with several prominent first-choice players such as Shubman Gill, Mohammed Shami, Hardik Pandya, and Harshit Rana.
Given head coach Gautam Gambhir's preference for a left-right batting combination, it is anticipated that Jaiswal will maintain his position at the top of the order alongside Rohit, while Kohli is expected to bat at No. 4, with Gill remaining one spot lower.
Kohli, who has recently returned to fitness, demonstrated impressive form during the net sessions, whereas Rohit experienced difficulties, being dismissed twice by local OCA net bowlers, which is not an ideal scenario for the Indian captain.
Additionally, Rishabh Pant, who is not the primary wicketkeeper for India in ODIs, was observed batting for an extended duration, much to the enjoyment of the spectators.
