As India prepare for the second ODI at Sophia Gardens today with a 1-0 advantage in the three-match series, the spotlight will once again be on their top-order batters. Skipper Shubman Gill was forced to retire hurt after scoring 80 in the opening game, while Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli struggled to make an impact in their comeback appearances.
Middle Order Rescues India Despite Early Setbacks
Despite early blows, India comfortably chased down a target of 259 with 28 balls to spare. The win was anchored by Gill’s steady knock and a crucial unbeaten 102-run stand between Washington Sundar and Axar Patel. However, the manner of the chase also highlighted India’s reliance on the middle order after the senior batters were dismissed early.
Gill’s Fitness Remains Key Concern
The biggest concern heading into the match is Gill’s fitness. He looked in visible discomfort before walking off the field at Edgbaston Cricket Ground, raising questions about his availability. The team management will be hoping the issue was nothing more than cramps and not something more serious.
India vs England Playing 11
England: Jacob Bethell, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Brydon Carse
India: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (C), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Gurnoor Brar, Arshdeep Singh
India vs England 2nd ODI match details
Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026
Venue: Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
Time: 1:00 PM Local Time | 5:30 PM IST
India vs England 2nd ODI Squads
India: Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (Vice-Captain), KL Rahul (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, 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 Bethell, Will Jacks, Rehan Ahmed, Liam Dawson, James Coles, Sam Curran, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Jos Tongue, Saqib Mahmood, Adil Rashid.
