With Virat Kohli's expected return, will Shreyas Iyer miss out? (Source: AP Photos)
India's chase-master Virat Kohli is all set to feature in the upcoming second ODI against England. While the right-hander was ruled out of the first match due to swelling in the right knee, he is expected to make a comeback in their second encounter with the Englishmen at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack.
According to a TOI report, the decision to rest Virat Kohli was taken on the eve of the match on Wednesday. “His right knee was fine during practice, but once we got back to the hotel, it swelled up,” a source was quoted as saying. "It doesn't seem that bad though. He will play the Cuttack ODI in all likelihood," the source added.
Despite speculations regarding the severity of his injury, the latest reports have seemingly confirmed his return. In his absence, Shubman Gill delivered for India at No. 3 spot where he played a remarkable innings of 87 off 96. Although, he missed a well-deserved ton, his performance impressed everyone. But with Virat Kohli's expected return, the line-up mixes once again.
Iyer Out, Kohli In?
If the 36-year-old batter returns, it could mean that Shreyas Iyer, who slammed a quick-fire knock of 59 runs off 36 balls, would be missing out since he revealed he came in only after Kohli suffered an unforeseen injury. Although, there is no confirmation however this seems a highly likely possibility.
Shubman Gill Confirms Kohli's Return
India's vice-captain, Shubman Gill assured fans that there's no cause for concern regarding Kohli's injury and that he would be returning for the next game on 9 February, Sunday.
"There's nothing to worry. He will definitely be fit for the next game," he stated.
IND vs ENG 1st ODI: India Dominate At Nagpur Take 1-0 Lead
India won comfortably by four wickets with 68 balls remaining in the first match of the three-match series. Even though England's start was brisk, reaching 75 for no loss, bowlers for India, led by debutant Harshit Rana and Ravindra Jadeja, kept knocking over wickets at regular intervals to restrict England to 249.
In their reply, early wickets for India saw some faltering; however, 94 runs were added between Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer to steady the chase. Iyer's fast 59 and Axar Patel's fifty ensured India's progress, as Hardik Pandya and Jadeja finished the job. Despite some reasonable attempts, England's bowlers could not stop the victory for India.
 "Muskaan Bhatt")
