Key facts
- India lead series after first ODI win at Edgbaston
- Shubman Gill's fitness is being monitored ahead of 2nd ODI
- Rohit Sharma's form flagged as a concern
- India need one more win to seal the series
India head into the second ODI against England in a position of strength but not without concerns, with captain Shubman Gill's fitness and senior batter Rohit Sharma's form the two most-watched variables ahead of the match, as flagged by Deccan Herald.
Gill's condition is particularly significant given that he is not only the key decision-maker in the field but also one of India's most important top-order batters. Any doubt over his availability would force a reshuffle in both leadership and batting composition at a stage where India want to press home their advantage.
Rohit Sharma's place in the side and the runs he contributes have been a recurring discussion point in Indian cricket. After a prolonged period of mixed returns at the top of the order, the Edgbaston game and the matches that follow represent an opportunity for India's most experienced batter to silence doubters and contribute to what could be a historic series result.
India, fresh from ending England's 12-year unbeaten run at Edgbaston, need one more win to take the series. England, playing at home, will be desperate to level proceedings. The second ODI is set to be a sharp contest, with India's management decisions in the coming hours likely to prove as consequential as anything that happens in the middle.