Nitish Reddy And Washington Sundar In Indian Jersey [Source: @TheKhelIndia, @cricket_x_Ashi/x.com]
The Indian team is currently playing against England in a five-match T20I series at their home ground. Notably, the home team played brilliant cricket in the first match of the series at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata and have taken a 1-0 lead.
The Suryakumar Yadav-led side will be eager to win this game and take a further step towards winning the series. However, per the latest reports, the team has suffered a setback, with Nitish Reddy picking up a side strain (could be out for four weeks). As the situation appears, the young all-rounder might not be a part of the playing XI in the second T20I.
Amidst these latest reports, let us look at India's possible playing XI.
Abhishek Sharma Expected To Play
A few days ago, reports of Abhishek Sharma suffering an injury also made the headlines. However, it is expected that the opening batter will be playing in the second match. In that case, India will probably keep the opening combination the same as Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson.
Washington Sundar To Replace Nitish Reddy
The rest of the middle order is expected to stay the same for India. The only change could be Nitish Reddy sitting out and Washington Sundar replacing him. India would have preferred a like-for-like replacement, but the player, Shivam Dube, who they have called in for Nitish, will join the team ahead of the next match. So, in all probability, Washington Sundar will be drafted into the playing XI.
Rinku Singh To Be Replaced By Dhruv Jurel
As per the latest reports, Rinku Singh has also picked up an injury and will not be a part of the playing XI in 2nd T20I vs England. Ramandeep Singh will join the team ahead of the next match. However, for the second match, it is expected that Dhruv Jurel will find his way ino the side.
Mohammed Shami To Be Back In The Blues?
In the last match, India went in with a spin-heavy attack. Besides Arshdeep Singh, they had Hardik Pandya and Washington Sundar as their pace bowling options. However, as there will be an extra spin bowling option in the all-rounder section, the management might think of an extra pacer among the specialist bowlers. Thus, there is a chance that Harshit Rana or Mohammed Shami might come to the side. With India needing to give Mohammed Shami match practice ahead of the Champions Trophy, we can see the veteran pacer return to the ground in the Indian blues.
India Playing XI For 2nd T20I vs England (Probable)
Abhishek Sharma
Sanju Samson (wk)
Suryakumar Yadav (c)
Tilak Varma
Dhruv Jurel
Hardik Pandya
Washington Sundar
Axar Patel
Arshdeep Singh
Varun Chakravarthy
Mohammed Shami