Who will Virat Kohli replace in 2nd ODI against England as India's batting coach confirms his availability?

Former India skipper Virat Kohli has regained his fitness ahead of the second ODI vs England. The 36-year-old didn’t play the first game of the ODI series that the hosts won by four wickets in Nagpur on Thursday. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak while addressing the media said “Virat Kohli is fit to play second ODI against England on Sunday”

When quizzed by the media who will make way for India’s former skipper, Kotak said “It is Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir’s call. I can’t answer this”. Kohli had missed the first game after he had swelling on his knee. The 36-year-old had been part of the plans till the eve of the game as Kohli was part of the final practice session. 

Shreyas Iyer was drafted into the XI in Kohli’s place and scored a match-winning half-century. Speaking at the end of the game, Iyer had revealed that he was certain to miss the game if Kohli was fit. The 30-year-old had said “So, funny story. I was watching a movie last night, I thought I could extend my night, but then I got a call from skipper saying that you may play because Virat has got a swollen knee. And then I hurried back to my room, went off to sleep straightaway."

Will Virat Kohli come in for Yashasvi Jaiswal? 

After an amazing start to the ODI series, Team India will want to wrap up the series with a win in the second ODI on Sunday in Cuttack. Yashasvi Jaiswal seems one of the best choices to be replaced for the match on Sunday. Jaiswal, who made his ODI debut in Nagpur scored 15 runs before he was dismissed by Jofra Archer. 

This will also give Shubman Gill a chance to move back to the opening slot with skipper Rohit Sharna. There were lots of questions regarding the decision to bat Shubman Gill at number three. The 25-year-old was the star batter for India with his knock of 87 in Nagpur. 

When asked how he felt about batting at the number three spot, Gill while speaking on Disney Hotstar said “I play at No. 3 in Tests, so it wasn't a big adjustment. It's always a challenge at that position because you have to adapt to the game situation. If the team loses quick wickets, you need to play sensibly. If the team starts well, you need to carry the momentum”