India vs England: Abhishek Sharma to miss the 2nd T20I due to injury? Check details

India called the right moves to start the white-ball series against England in a dominating fashion. The English were treated to an all-round attack from the hosts as Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy tore through their batting lineup. In the chase, young opener Abhishek Sharma had the English pacers gasping for air as he rushed to a 20-ball half-century at the Eden Gardens. His 79 off 34 knock sealed the chase in just the 13th over with the Suryakumar Yadav-led team winning the series opener by 7 wickets. Now, as the action shifts to Chennai for the second T20I of the five-match series, the team is reportedly set to feature multiple changes in the lineup despite the winning formula at Eden Gardens. While some changes could be tactical decisions, there is uncertainty surrounding the availability of the star performer from the previous game, Abhishek Sharma, who has reportedly twisted his ankle ahead of the second India vs England clash.

Abhishek Sharma twists his ankle ahead of the second India vs England T20I

India could be dealt a blow ahead of the second T20I against England on Saturday in Chennai, as star opener Abhishek Sharma’s participation remains uncertain. According to a recent report, Abhishek twisted his right ankle during a practice session, leaving his availability in doubt. The batter who walked into the team following the T20 World Cup with shining heroics in the IPL 2024, smashed an impressive 79 runs in the first match. While he opened his career with a century against Zimbabwe, Abhishek Sharma has been fielding scrutiny over his consistency.

The five-match T20I series against England provides a fitting chance for the youngster to announce his skills and mastery. However, updates don't put an impressive picture of the injury that the opener has picked in Chennai. Abhishek appeared to be in significant pain after the injury. While he received immediate medical attention and later walked around the nets, he did not bat during the session. This has raised concerns over his fitness and prompted speculation about a potential replacement in the second India vs England T20I.

Meanwhile, after a dominant seven-wicket victory in Kolkata, India will aim to extend their lead in the five-match series. The hosts, brimming with confidence, will look to maintain their momentum, even as fitness worries linger over both Abhishek and Mohammed Shami. Shami, who was expected to play the first game, was rested for further fitness evaluation. His inclusion for the second T20I will depend on a late fitness test. Despite his absence in Kolkata, India’s bowling unit delivered a stellar performance, with Arshdeep Singh dismantling England’s top order with the new ball and Varun Chakaravarthy excelling in the middle overs.

Can Mohammed Shami finally make a return to the team in Chennai?

The Chepauk pitch is likely to favor spinners, staying true to its reputation. India’s spin trio of Varun Chakaravarthy, Axar Patel, and Ravi Bishnoi will play a crucial role in exploiting the conditions. If the team follows their plans from the first match and look to play as per the conditions then Mohammed Shami could sit out of this one too. In the batting department, if Abhishek's injury plays the spoilsport, then captain Suryakumar Yadav might consider promoting himself to the top of the order, as the squad lacks another designated opener. Meanwhile, Samson remains in fine form, with three centuries in his last six innings, solidifying his position as one of India’s most dependable openers.

Suryakumar Yadav, who has struggled for form with just two fifties in his last 11 innings since the T20 World Cup final, will be eager to lead from the front and make an impact in Chennai. While his recent performances haven’t affected India’s winning run, the skipper will look to find his rhythm and contribute significantly. His move up the top makes way for Tilak Varma to bat at three, a position he has expressed as his wishful spot to bat on.

In other circumstance, if Shami is declared fit, he could replace Nitish Kumar Reddy in the XI. On the other hand, England may look to strengthen their spin department by bringing in young leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed. Additionally, they have added Brydon Carse and Jamie Smith to their squad, signaling possible changes in their playing XI. As both teams prepare for the Chepauk challenge, India will hope to overcome their injury concerns and extend their dominance, while England will aim to bounce back and level the series.