IND vs ENG, 2nd ODI: Virat Kohli's inclusion in playing XI sets Cuttack crowd abuzz (WATCH)

Team India talismanic batter Virat Kohli has been included in the playing XI for the second ODI of the three-match series against England at the Barabati Stadium in Odisha’s Cuttack on Sunday, February 9. 

Virat Kohli was ruled out of the first ODI against England at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur on Thursday due to right knee soreness. His latest injury raised concern about his availability for the remaining two matches of the ongoing ODI series against England. However, India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak put the doubts to rest by confirming that Kohli was fit and would be available for the second ODI. 

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At the toss, Rohit Sharma officially announced the inclusion of Virat Kohli into the playing XI for the Cuttack match. As soon as Team India announced Kohli’s return to playing XI, the crowd at the Barabati Stadium went berserk as they erupted in loud cheers. 

“Two changes, Jaiswal makes way for Virat. Kuldeep is rested so Varun makes his debut.” Rohit Sharma said at the toss. 

Virat Kohli’s playing XI inclusion reaction by crowd: Watch here 

Meanwhile, England skipper Jos Buttler won the toss and decided to bat first. India are currently leading 1-0 in the three-match ODI series after defeating England by four wickets in the first match at the Vidarbha Cricket Stadium in Nagpur on Thursday. Shubman Gill was the star performer with his masterclass knock of 87 off 96 balls in India’s 249-run chase. Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel contributed with innings of 59 and 52 runs. 

Apart from Gill, Iyer, and Axar’s batting, Ravindra Jadeja (3/26) and Harshit Rana (3/53) too played a role in India’s first ODI. They picked six wickets together to bundle out England for 248 despite fifties from Jos Buttler (52) and Jacob Bethel (51). 

Virat Kohli needs 94 runs to complete 14,000 ODI runs 

Virat Kohli will be eyeing for another record in his illustrious international career. The 36-year-old needs just 94 runs to complete 14000 runs in ODI cricket. If Kohli does so in the ongoing ODI series against England, Kohli would become the third player after Sachin Tendulkar (18426) and Kumar Sangakkara (14234) to achieve this feat. 

Kohli returned to international duties after playing the Ranji Trophy match for Delhi against Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium last month. It was his first appearance in India’s premier domestic tournament after a gap of 12 years. However, his return was spoiled by lesser-known Railways bowler Himanshu Sangwan by dismissing the Indian batter for just 6 runs in the first innings of Delhi’s batting. 

Virat Kohli’s form is under heavy scrutiny following his moderate series in the Test tour of Australia, where he amassed just 190 runs, including a century, at an average of 23.75 in nine innings. Kohli’s performance in the ongoing ODI series against England as the Champions Trophy is looming.

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