Ind vs Eng 2nd ODI at Cuttack’s Barabati Stadium: India aim to seal series, fans eager for Virat Kohli’s return

Hosts India will take on England in the second ODI at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Sunday. After winning the first ODI at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur by four wickets, India will aim to seal the three-match series by winning the Barabati battle.

India have so far played five matches against England at the historical stadium and they have registered victory in two. Besides, after winning the T20 series 4-1 and the first ODI, India are on a winning streak and they will aim to continue their momentum.

Though India will not want to tinker with their winning momentum, a fit again Virat Kohli is most likely to return to the playing eleven. Kohli could not play the previous match due to a knee injury. Fans at the Barabati Stadium are eagerly waiting for the superstar’s comeback to the match.

Indian vice-captain Shubman Gill has given a positive update on Kohli, saying the 37-year-old will definitely be available for the 2nd ODI which is to be played at the Barabati Stadium in Odisha on February 9.

“Kohli had swelling in his knee when he woke up in the morning due to which he couldn’t play in the first ODI. He felt okay in the practice a day before but the swelling in the morning stopped him from playing. I’m sure he will be fit to play in the 2nd ODI as it was nothing serious,” said Gill.

Meanwhile, captain and veteran batsman Rohit Sharma is going through the horrible form of his life. Fans will expect him to come back to form at the Barabati Stadium. Both the form of Kohli and Rohit may be crucial for India for the upcoming Champions Trophy.

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Besides, India will likely to test mystery spinner Varun Chakravorty’s form in ODIs ahead of the mega event.

Both teams will be aware of the venue’s history favouring the chasing side. The pitch at the Barabati Stadium has historically offered some assistance to both pacers and spinners, with a slight advantage to the fast bowlers. 

Given the recent form of players like Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja for India, and the potential return to form for England’s experienced players, cricket fans can anticipate a keenly contested match at this historic venue.