Shreyas Iyer Likely Out as Virat Kohli Returns for 2nd ODI

Shreyas Iyer Likely Out as Virat Kohli Returns for 2nd ODI VCA Stadium, in Nagpur, Maharashtra, Thursday, Feb. 6(PTI)

Asif Iqbal | February 9, 2025 | 08:07 AM IST | Cricket, Sports | Tags: Cricket, England, India | Follow on Google News

Shreyas Iyer Likely Out as Virat Kohli Returns for 2nd ODI

India’s training session in Cuttack on Saturday hinted at just one change in the playing XI for the second ODI against England, with Shreyas Iyer expected to make way for returning star Virat Kohli.

Kohli had missed the series opener in Nagpur due to a swollen knee. While Yashasvi Jaiswal made his ODI debut at the top of the order in his absence, it was later revealed that Iyer was also not originally in the playing XI. He was only informed by skipper Rohit Sharma on the eve of the match that he would be playing due to Kohli’s injury. Iyer responded with a match-winning 59 off 36 balls in India’s four-wicket victory.

Reflecting on his sudden call-up, Iyer said, “I was watching a movie, thinking I could stay up late, but then I got a call from the skipper saying I might have to play. I rushed back to my room and went straight to sleep.”

Training Session Hints at India’s XI

According to a PTI report, Iyer was notably absent from the optional practice session in Cuttack, along with key players like Shubman Gill, Mohammed Shami, Hardik Pandya, and Harshit Rana. Kohli, now fit, looked in fine form at the nets, though Rohit Sharma struggled, getting bowled twice by local net bowlers.

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With head coach Gautam Gambhir favoring a left-right batting combination, Jaiswal is expected to retain his place as Rohit’s opening partner, pushing Kohli to No. 4, while Gill continues at No. 3.

Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant, who is not India’s first-choice ODI wicketkeeper, was seen spending an extended time in the nets, drawing cheers from the crowd.

India leads the series 1-0 and will look to seal the series in the second ODI at Cuttack.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by VoM News staff and is published from syndicated feed)

Asif Iqbal

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