New Delhi: In a massive boost for Team India, star batter Virat Kohli is set to return to the playing XI for the second ODI match against England on Sunday. Kohli missed the opening ODI in Nagpur, which India won by 4 wickets, due to a sore right knee. On Saturday, India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed Kohli’s participation in the game and at the same time, downplayed concerns about skipper Rohit Sharma’s lean patch.
With India 1-0 up in the three-match series, Kohli’s inclusion will given the Men in Blue a major boost if at all he displays his batting class in Cuttack. During the pre-match conference on Saturday Kotak also confirmed that Kohli came to the practice session and had a good one which further confirms his availability for the match. The batting coach was though not sure about who will the star batter replace in the playing XI.
Who will Virat Kohli replace in playing XI?
The availability of Virat Kohli for the second game raises a big question about who will make the way for the star India batter. The choice obviously remains between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer. As far as the performance is concerned, it seems that Jaiswal will have to make the way for Kohli as he scored just 15 runs off 22 balls while Iyer excelled with the bat at the number 4 position.
Kohli will undoubtedly reclaim his number three position in the side which should likely result in vice-captain Shubman Gill going up to his opening position with skipper Rohit Sharma. In this case, Jaiswal will be the one to make way for Kohli in the playing XI. As per the other scenario, which does not seem to be happening most likely, Iyer sits out and in that case, Kohli may be given the opportunity to bat at number four but considering Iyer’s fiery innings in the last match, this is unlikely to happen.
It was Iyer who happened to be the last-minute replacement for Kohli opening ODI but with the star batter fit again, it will be interesting to see who sits out and who’s included.
Virat Kohli has recovered from his sore right knee and will be part of the playing XI for the second ODI against England on Sunday. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
