Cuttack: Virat Kohli is back in India's playing XI as the hosts take on England in the second ODI at the Barabati Stadium.
England won the toss and opted to bat first, looking to bounce back after their defeat in Nagpur.
Kohli, who missed the first game due to a sore knee, was seen going through an intense net session ahead of the match, reassuring fans of his fitness. His return could prompt a reshuffle in the batting order, with Shreyas Iyer—who played a match-winning knock in the previous game—potentially making way.
England skipper Jos Buttler, explaining his decision to bat first, said, "We are going to bat first today. We have been pushing in the right direction, and we're hoping for a good day."
He described the pitch as "a bit dry, black soil, but a good wicket." The visitors have made three changes, bringing in Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson, and Jamie Overton.
India, leading the three-match series 1-0, will aim for another dominant display. Skipper Rohit Sharma was pleased with his team's energy in the opening game. "It was superb to watch. Shreyas prides himself on intent and attitude, and we must not forget the contributions of Shubman and Axar as well," he said.
England will need to find answers to India’s spin trio of Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav, who have repeatedly exposed their struggles against slow bowling.
Meanwhile, India will hope for a strong showing from Rohit Sharma, who is searching for form ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy.
The passionate cricket crowd in Cuttack has ensured a packed stadium, with tickets selling out in advance. The last ODI here in 2017 saw Kohli and Rohit leading a successful 300-plus chase, and fans will be hoping for another memorable outing.
With the series at stake for England, the contest promises to be a thrilling battle between bat and ball.
