New Delhi: Team India will face England in the second T20I of the five-match series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday, January 25. The Men in Blue defeated Jos Buttler and Co. by 7 wickets in the first T20I in Kolkata and took a 1-0 lead in the series.
Suryakumar and Co. went with just one frontline fast bowler Arshdeep Singh in the opening match, who was supported by Hardik Pandya from the other end. Mohammed Shami was rested from the match and after the match, Arshdeep stated that the pacer is ready to go in the series.
Indian bowlers dominated the match as the visitors bowled out for 132 runs in the 20 overs. Varun Chakravarthy took 3 wickets while Axar Patel, Pandya and Arshdeep took two wickets each. Chasing the 133 runs target, Abhishek Sharma scored 79 runs off 34 balls while Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma also contributed with the bat. However, fast bowlers have tasted more success in Chennai compared to the spin bowlers during the IPL 2024, which could force the team to rethink their playing XI.
India’s likely XI for the 2nd T20I vs England
Abhishek Sharma doubtful: Indian opener Abhishek Sharma reportedly twisted his ankle during the training session at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. He twisted his ankle during a catching practice on Friday and was attended by the team physiotherapist on the field. Abhishek was seen limping when he returned to the pavilion and did not come out to bat again.
If Abhishek misses the second T20I in Chennai then Team India could consider including Washington Sundar in the playing XI. In such a case, Tilak Varma might open the innings with Sanju Samson.
Focus on Shami: Star fast bowler Mohammed Shami missed the first T20I in Kolkata. He seemed fine during the practice under the watchful eyes of bowling coach Morne Morkel. He reportedly worked hard on finding his bowling rhythm. To bring Shami into the playing XI, the Men in Blue might leave out Ravi Bishnoi or Nitish Reddy.
India’s predicted XI: Abhishek Sharma/ Washington Sundar, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Nitish Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami/Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakravarthy
Suryakumar Yadav and Co. will face England in the second T20I at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on January 25. Take a look at India’s probable XI for the second T20I. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
