TV
Hosts India will take on England in the second match of the ODI series at the historical Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Sunday.
Though Virat Kohli was out of the first ODI in Nagpur after suffering an injury, the star batter is most likely to be included in the playing XI in the crucial match. The veteran batsman could take the place of in-form Shreyas Iyer. Though Iyer batted brilliantly in the last match, Kohli could replace him in the playing XI considering the preparation for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
“Kohli is fit and good to go I think,” said Team India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak in a presser ahead of the match at Cuttack on Saturday.
Though India lost some quick wickets during the last part of the chase in the first match against the visitors, Kotak didn’t express much concern by saying that there are so many positive things to be drawn from India’s batting.
When asked about captain Rohit Sharma’s terrible batting form, Kotak didn’t express much concern.
“I personally don’t think there is any problem (in Rohit’s batting). He has scored half-centuries in the last three ODIs except the last match. The guy has scored 31 ODI centuries. When somebody has a little lean patch, there should not be worry about his form. His form in the Test matches against Australia was not good. However, except for the last match, he has batted brilliantly in his last three ODIs. Not really so much concern about that (Rohit’s form),” said Kotak.
The batting coach hailed the atmosphere at the Barabati Stadium. “Well, it’s a great atmosphere at the Barabati Stadium. The ground is fantastic and the crowd is amazing. It looks like a match there,” said Kotak.
Though a question mark has been raised over veteran speedster Mohammed Shami’s fitness, Kotak cleared the air by saying that Shami is fully fit. Answering a question about Arshdeep Singh’s inclusion in the playing XI for tomorrow, Kotak said that the decision in this regard will be taken by head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma.
