Team India is set to take on England in the second T20I of the five-match series in Chennai on Saturday, aiming to extend their 1-0 lead after a dominant seven-wicket victory in Kolkata. However, questions remain over the fitness of key players Mohammed Shami and Abhishek Sharma, which could impact the final playing XI.
Shami’s Fitness Under Scrutiny
Mohammed Shami, who was rested for the first match, is being closely monitored by the team management. His inclusion will depend on a late fitness test. In Shami’s absence, India’s bowlers delivered an exceptional performance in the opening game, with Arshdeep Singh excelling with the new ball and Varun Chakaravarthy controlling the middle overs.
If Shami is declared fit, he is likely to replace Nitish Kumar Reddy in the XI. Otherwise, the young pacer could retain his spot.
Abhishek Sharma’s Injury Concern
Opener Abhishek Sharma, who has formed a successful partnership with Sanju Samson, is also a doubtful starter after reportedly twisting his ankle during a training session. The left-hander impressed with an explosive knock in Kolkata, striking at over 230, and has been instrumental in providing strong starts for India since joining forces with Samson last year.
If Abhishek is unavailable, captain Suryakumar Yadav might step into the opener’s role. Samson, who has been in sensational form with three centuries in his last six innings, remains a reliable option at the top of the order.
Chepauk Conditions to Test Spinners
The pitch at Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium is expected to favor spinners, setting the stage for an intriguing battle. India’s spin trio of Varun Chakaravarthy, Axar Patel, and Ravi Bishnoi will be crucial in exploiting the conditions. England’s spinners, including Adil Rashid and Liam Livingstone, struggled in Kolkata but will need to adapt quickly to the slow surface.
Key Players and Adjustments
Captain Suryakumar Yadav will aim to rediscover his form, having registered just two half-centuries in his last 11 innings. While his lean patch hasn’t impacted India’s results, he will be eager to make a significant contribution with the bat in Chennai.
For England, bolstering their spin department might be a priority. The inclusion of young leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed could be on the cards, along with Brydon Carse and Jamie Smith, who were added to the squad.
India’s Likely XI for the 2nd T20I
- Openers: Abhishek Sharma (if fit)/Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson
- Middle-order: Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh
- All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel
- Bowlers: Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami (if fit)/Nitish Kumar Reddy, Varun Chakaravarthy
With both teams adjusting to the conditions at Chepauk, an exciting contest is on the cards as India looks to maintain its momentum and England seeks to level the series.
