India will go into the second ODI against England with a chance to turn one good day into a stronger series position. The match at Sophia Gardens on Thursday, July 16, 2026, comes soon after India’s six-wicket win in Birmingham on Tuesday.
That result was important for a side that had gone through six T20 defeats during the ongoing tour of the United Kingdom. The first ODI did not solve every concern, but it gave India enough to take forward: runs from captain Shubman Gill, a controlled spell from Jasprit Bumrah, and a first win of the trip.
Gill expected to be available after cramps
Gill led India’s chase in Birmingham with a fluent 80 before retiring hurt because of cramps. The turnaround between the first and second matches is short, but the 26-year-old is expected to be fit for the game at Sophia Gardens.
His innings gave India stability at the top and helped keep the chase on course. In a series where both teams are still looking for cleaner performances, Gill’s fitness will be watched closely because of the role he played in the opening match.
India’s batting positives, however, were not spread evenly across the order. The returns of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli did not bring the scores India would have wanted. Rohit made 11 from 21 balls and never looked settled. Kohli was dismissed leg-before for five after playing across the line to Jofra Archer.
Bumrah makes a tight ODI comeback
Bumrah’s spell was another major takeaway from the first ODI. Playing his first one-day international in nearly three years, he bowled nine overs for 31 runs. It was a measured return, built more on control than volume.
Early in his spell, Bumrah found swing and troubled Ben Duckett. He also dismissed England captain Harry Brook, who was caught at slip after a delivery bounced a little more and left him uncertain. For India, that spell offered a reminder of what Bumrah brings when he is able to settle into his rhythm.
His workload and sharpness will remain important through the series. The first ODI showed that he could be effective without needing to be overused. In a three-match series, another disciplined spell could help India keep England’s batting in check.
Rohit and Kohli look for runs
The second ODI also gives Rohit and Kohli a quick chance to respond. Rohit, 39, has not been at his most aggressive in recent one-day appearances. Since India’s Champions Trophy triumph in March 2025, he has batted 13 times in ODIs and has made one century, four half-centuries and a score of 48.
Those numbers are not poor on their own. The issue is the level of expectation attached to a player with his record. The source article referred to Novak Djokovic’s Wimbledon comment that greats are “blessed and cursed to be used to the highest degree in terms of results and achievements.” That line fits the scrutiny around Rohit’s recent ODI batting.
Kohli’s dismissal in Birmingham was also an early setback. Facing Archer, he missed while playing across the line and was given out lbw. With the series moving quickly, both senior batters will want time in the middle before India can feel fully settled about the top order.
India’s task in the second ODI
India do not need to look far for the immediate plan. Gill’s form, Bumrah’s control and the confidence from a six-wicket win are useful starting points. At the same time, the side will know that a better all-round batting display would make the performance more complete.
England, beaten in Birmingham, will also be searching for improvement. The second ODI therefore gives both teams a short window to adjust. For India, the main aim is clear: build on the first win of the tour and avoid letting the momentum slip after finally getting a positive result.
Source: The Hindu Cricket.