ENG vs IND: India’s Playing XI (Predicted) Against England, 2nd T20I – Team India, on Thursday (July 7), made a flying start to the three-match T20I series against England.

The Men in Blue thrashed the hosts by 50 runs in the first ENG vs IND T20I to take the lead in the three-match series. Batting first, India scored 198 for 8 in the allotted 20 overs. Hardik Pandya was the top-scorer with the bat, scoring 51 off 33 balls.

In reply, England failed to put up a good fight and were all out for 148 in 19.3 overs. Pandya starred with the ball too, taking 4 for 33 while debutant Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal picked up 2 wickets each.

India will be looking to continue their winning momentum in the second game and take an unassailable lead in the series. So as the Team India prepares for the upcoming game, we are taking a look at the players who are likely to play the second ENG vs IND T20I.

ENG vs IND: India’s Playing XI (Predicted) Against England, 2nd T20I

Openers: Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan:

Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan are looking set to be the opening combination for Team India for the upcoming game. Both the batsmen will be keen to score big in the second ENG vs IND T20I after failing in the first.

Rohit looked good in the first game and got the start but failed to capitalise on it. He hit 5 boundaries inside the first three overs to race away to 24 off just 13 balls before Moeen Ali sent him back.

Kishan, on the other hand, failed to make any mark and was out for 8 off 10 balls. The southpaw needs to make the chances count soon or else, he is likely to face the axe.

Also Read: Rohit Sharma Reveals Team India’s Exciting New Plan For Powerplay As Team Prepares For T20 World Cup

Middle-order: Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda

The middle-order is likely to see some changes as several big names will return to the squad after being rested for the first game. Former captain Virat Kohli is set to return to the playing eleven and is likely to play at his usual number three spot.

Kohli’s return means in-form Deepak Hooda is set to be demoted in the batting order. Hooda is likely to bat at number five. In between Kohli and Hooda, Suryakumar Yadav is set to bat at number four.

Wicketkeeper: Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant was also rested for the first T20I and is likely to be a part of the playing eleven for the second game. Pant’s return is likely to make the team-management drop veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik.

Karthik had a forgettable outing in the first game. He lasted for just 7 balls and scored 11 runs before putting up a poor display with the wicketkeeping gloves behind the stumps. The senior player dropped as many as three catches during the game.

Allrounders: Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel

Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel are looking set to be allrounders in the team. Pandya had an outing to remember in the series-opener where his all round displays saw him walk away with the Man of the Match award.

He scored 51 off 33 balls before taking 4 for 33 with the ball. Axar, on the other hand, scored 17 runs and failed to pick up any wicket. Pandya will be looking to continue his good form in the second ENG vs IND T20I while Axar will be keen to do well after an average outing in the previous game.

Bowlers: Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah

The bowling lineup will surely see at least one change as Arshdeep Singh, who played in the first ENG vs IND T20I, is not a part of the squad for the next two games. Arshdeep enjoyed a brilliant debut as he gave away just 18 runs in 3,3 overs in addition to picking up two wickets. He also bowled a maiden over during the powerplay.

Arshdeep is likely to be replaced in the playing eleven by Jasprit Bumrah who was rested for the series-opener. The other specialist bowlers in the team are likely to be Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yuzvendra Chahal.