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The Indian men’s cricket team will take on England in the second ODI of the three-match series at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, on July 16, 2026. The match is scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. BST (5:00 p.m. IST). It promises to be an exciting contest as India bounced back strongly after a disappointing T20I series defeat by winning the first ODI. In the opening match, England batted first and posted 258 runs. India chased down the target comfortably in 45.2 overs. Axar Patel was named Player of the Match after scoring a half-century and picking up four wickets.

This is a golden opportunity for India to seal the ODI series, while England will be desperate to level the series and keep their hopes alive. For India, senior stars Virat KohliRohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah are back in the blue, and fans will expect them to deliver. England have retained almost the same squad from the T20I series, with a few changes, including Ben Duckett returning to the playing XI.

There’s still uncertainty about Shubman Gill’s fitness after he was retired hurt in the previous match. If he doesn’t play, then Shreyas Iyer will lead the team.

This series is an important step in both teams’ preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup as they continue to build their strongest combinations. Let’s look at the probable playing XIs, key players, Dream11 fantasy picks and match prediction for the second ODI.

India Probable Playing XI

India suffered a slight injury scare in the first ODI as captain Shubman Gill walked off the field after experiencing discomfort. The team hopes it was only cramps. If Gill is unavailable, Ishan Kishan could open the innings alongside Rohit Sharma.

• Shubman Gill (Captain) / Ishan Kishan
• Rohit Sharma
• Virat Kohli
• Shreyas Iyer (VC)
• KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper)
• Axar Patel
• Washington Sundar
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Arshdeep Singh
• Prasidh Krishna
• jasprit bumrah

Key Players to Watch from India

Virat Kohli remains one of India’s biggest match-winners in ODI cricket. Although he did not make a big impact in the first ODI, he has been in good form, scoring 547 runs in his last seven ODI innings. India will hope he returns to his best in Cardiff.

Prasidh Krishna is another player to watch. The right-arm pacer has picked up 17 wickets in his last eight ODIs and has formed a strong pace attack alongside Jasprit Bumrah.

England Probable Playing XI

England have received a major boost with the return of fast bowler Brydon Carse after recovering from injury. Given the extra bounce available at Sophia Gardens, he could replace Josh Tongue in the playing XI.

• Ben Duckett
• Jacob Bethell
• Joe Root
• Harry Brook (Captain)
• Jos Buttler (Wicketkeeper)
• Sam Curran
• Gus Atkinson
• Liam Dawson
• Jofra Archer
• Adil Rashid
• Brydon Carse

Key Players to Watch from England

Joe Root remains England’s most dependable batter. He scored an unbeaten 76 in the first ODI and has accumulated 527 runs in his last eight ODI innings, making him one of England’s biggest threats.

Adil Rashid could also play a crucial role. Cardiff has traditionally offered assistance to spinners, and Rashid has enjoyed success at this venue, taking 18 wickets in his previous appearances here.

Dream11 Fantasy Tips: Must-Have Picks

Top Batters

Joe Root: A must-have pick. He is in excellent form after scoring an unbeaten 76 in the first ODI and averages 65.88 in his recent ODI matches.

Harry Brook: Brook has scored 408 runs in his last 10 ODI matches at an average of 45.33 and remains one of England’s most reliable batters.

Virat Kohli: One of the greatest ODI batters, Kohli thrives in run chases and has scored more than 500 runs in his recent ODI outings. He could play a match-winning innings.

Shubman Gill: If declared fit, Gill should be one of the first picks after scoring 80 runs before retiring hurt in the first ODI.

Best All-rounders

Axar Patel: A must-have fantasy pick after his brilliant all-round performance of 57 runs and four wickets in the first ODI.

Washington Sundar: Cardiff generally offers assistance to finger spinners, making Sundar a valuable option. He can contribute with both bat and ball.

Sam Curran: Curran remains one of England’s most valuable all-rounders. Batting in the middle order and bowling his full quota of overs, he can provide points in multiple departments.

Bowlers to Watch

Jofra Archer: Archer remains England’s strike pacer. The extra bounce at Cardiff could help him trouble India’s top order during the powerplay.

Jasprit Bumrah: Bumrah bowled brilliantly in the first ODI despite picking up only one wicket. His economy and wicket-taking ability make him a top fantasy choice.

Adil Rashid: Rashid is expected to bowl his full quota of overs, and the surface should assist his leg-spin. He could pick up multiple wickets.

Captain and Vice-Captain Picks

Joe Root is an excellent captaincy option after his unbeaten 76 in the previous match. Axar Patel is a strong vice-captain choice because of his ability to contribute with both bat and ball.

Head-to-Head Record: India vs England

India and England have faced each other 111 times in ODI cricket. India have won 62 matches, while England have won 44. Two matches ended in a tie, and three produced no result. In England, the two teams have met 46 times. India have won 19 matches, while England have won 23. One match ended in a tie and three finished without a result.

Over the last five years, India have dominated the rivalry, winning seven ODIs compared to England’s one victory.

Match Prediction: Who Has the Upper Hand?

Sophia Gardens offers good bounce and carry for fast bowlers while also assisting spinners as the match progresses. The relatively longer boundaries make 300-plus totals less common than at other English venues.

Shubman Gill’s fitness will be crucial for India. If he is available, India’s batting unit looks well-balanced with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The bowling attack could also benefit from the inclusion of Arshdeep Singh.

England, however, have several in-form players, including Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jofra Archer and Sam Curran, giving them a balanced side capable of challenging India. India hold a slight advantage because of their confidence after winning the first ODI. If they bowl first and chase again, they could have the edge.