England vs India 2018: 2nd ODI, 4 Key Players

The first ODI got off to an unexpectedly dominant start for India as they were in full control of the game after the first wicket fell for the English after a strong start in the powerplay. The collapse that followed thanks to Kuldeep Yadav's heroics led to a below-par score of 268 that the Indians chased with ease, thanks to Rohit Sharma’s rapid unbeaten century and Virat Kohli’s calm 75.

Going into the 2nd ODI, these following players will be under the microscope due to their excellent recent performances or because they’re due a big one. The English will be looking to tackle the spin threat differently compared to how they handled it in the first match, and by preserving wickets against spin they can save the assault for the pace attack of India, which was expensive in the first match.

The Indians will be eager to continue their excellent run since they landed in England and with the series on the line in the 2nd ODI and both teams having everything to play for, tensions will be running high on the field and an electric crowd atmosphere is expected.

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#1: Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav had a fantastic game in the first ODI, completely foxing the English batsmen who had no idea how to play him. However, the last time that this happened as it did in the 1st T20I, the English were able to bounce back rather effectively.

They looked to play him out and that approach helped them win the 2nd T20I as Kuldeep did not pick up a wicket and went for a fair few runs. After the masterclass in the first ODI, England will be wary of Kuldeep and will have spent hours and hours looking through footage to help them pick his variations from his hand and not the pitch like they have been doing thus far.

Kuldeep has claimed that video analysis is a big mistake, raising questions over its effectiveness, so it will be an exciting contest for sure to see who will prevail.

#2 Jos Buttler

Buttler has been in good form and will be instrumental for England tonight

Jos Buttler has been the shining light for England in what has otherwise been a rather dismal series so far. He has continued from where he left off in the IPL and more recently, the tests against Pakistan and the ODI and T20I series against the famed rivals – Australia.

In the last game, he brought England close but fell close to the start of the last 10 overs which is usually where he goes berserk. He will need a much stronger performance from the top order such that he has the license to play with freedom and India will be looking to exploit the spin weakness that the top order has had yet again.

More importantly, though, India will be looking to find a way to get Buttler out before he makes a pile of runs.

#3: Rohit Sharma

Will Rohit make it 3 100s in a row?

Rohit Sharma has been in great form, having scored 2 100s on the trot without being dismissed and has not looked in a huge spot of bother. This is a great sign for India as they look to claim the series in the 2nd ODI and the fact that he is playing these sorts of innings in England is even better considering the grand prize up for grabs – the World Cup 2019 which is going to be held in England and Wales.

The English bowlers will be looking to rediscover a way of getting him out as they did in the first two T20Is where Rohit seemed to be scratchy.

#4: Joe Root

Joe Root will be looking to get back to his best

Joe Root has not been at his best of late, having had some trouble especially against the spin of Kuldeep Yadav. He has seemingly not picked Kuldeep from his hand and is relying on playing him off the pitch that usually sets him up for dismissals like the LBW he had in the first game.

Root is a fabulous player on his day, as the cricketing world has seen many a time, and he will be looking to get himself back into form. Being a cornerstone of the English top order, a strong performance from him is vital for England’s chances.