IND vs ENG 2025: 3 players who can make a big impact for India in 2nd ODI against England

Team India (Photo Source: BCCI/X)

A win in the first ODI of the three-match series further stretched India‘s fine run in the ongoing white-ball series against England. Opting to bat first in Nagpur, England commenced the initial half of the powerplay with explosive intent. However, two collapses at different stages of their innings meant they could manage a subpar 248. Although the Indian openers fell early in the run-chase, a couple of significant partnerships enabled the hosts to overhaul England’s target with four wickets and 68 deliveries to spare.

The second ODI at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on February 9 will be a prime opportunity for India to wrap up the 50-over leg. The Men in Blue have quite a solid reocrd in ODIs played at the venue, having won 13 of the 17 games they have played. Based on how the first game played out recently, India are the firm favourites heading into this clash.      

Let’s look at 3 Indian players who can be impactful in 2nd ODI

3. Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja (Photo Source: Twitter/X)

The first game of the series was Ravindra Jadeja‘s first ODI since November 2023. However, it did not look like he had been away at all. He proved to be India’s most-economical bowler, conceding only 26 runs while scalping three wickets in nine overs as clever pace changes and sticking to a challenging line reaped rewards for him.

Coming in at No. 8, he scored 12 runs to see India through to victory. If not for Shubman Gill’s 96-ball 87, Jadeja would have inevitably won his 13th Player of the Match in ODIs. Considering that the deck at Cuttack has a history to assist spinners, Jadeja is expected to play a vital role. 

2. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli (Photo Source: Twitter/X)

Ace batter Virat Kohli‘s absence from the first ODI was a dampener for all awaiting his return to 50-over internationsl. But a swollen knee kept Kohli out of the playing XI, a development which was confirmed at the toss. There are several reports doing the rounds on Kohli’s recovery is on track.

With him being deemed to feature in Cuttack, Yashasvi Jaiswal is expected to sit out as Gill is expected to go back to his opening position alongside skipper Rohit Sharma. Kohli is expected to return to his favourite No. 3 position. With 2025 Champions Trophy approaching, a lot would be expected from Kohli.  

1. Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma (Photo Source: Noah Saleem/AFP via Getty Images)

Skipper Rohit Sharma‘s torrid run with the bat continued, as he was dismissed for just the two in Nagpur as he spooned a catch to mid-on. This comes after Rohit’s string of failures in the red-ball format since the past few months. In short, he has just not been at it with the bat. 

Also Check: WATCH: ‘Virat bhai is more instinctive, Rohit bhai gives a little more time’ – Shubman Gill on leadership styles of India greats

The upcoming fixture provides a crucial opportunity for the captain to recover his form. Rohit has played only three ODIs in Cuttack – in 2008, 2011, and 2019, respectively. He has secured two half-centuries at the ground. Starting off positively will be essential for Rohit and his group.