England and India will lock horns with each other at the home of cricket, Lord’s. India’s captain Virat Kohli has led in 36 Test matches and he has played a different XI in each of those Test matches. Therefore, we can expect some slight changes from the Indian team management in the playing XI. Consequently, Sportzwiki brings you India’s Predicted Playing XI for the second Test match at Lord’s.
England had drawn the first blood in the long five-match series by 31 runs. It was an enthralling contest between the two sides in the opening match. Thus, another exciting match will be on the cards.
Virat Kohli was the lone warrior for the Indian team whereas the 20-year old Sam Curran was the showstopper for England. India would be happy with their bowling performance as they scalped all the twenty wickets. The visitors will like to deliver a better performance with the bat as well as in the fielding department.
Here is a look at India’s Predicted Playing XI for the Lord’s Test.
Murali Vijay
Indian opener Murali Vijay didn’t have the best of starts. However, the right-hander has a good technique to counter the English conditions.
KL Rahul
The right-handed KL Rahul played a loose shot in the first innings of the first Test. Therefore, the right-hander will like to learn from his mistake and make a good contribution.
Cheteshwar Pujara
India had surprisingly dropped Cheteshwar Pujara in the opening match. Pujara can definitely provide the solidarity in the middle order for the visitors.
Virat Kohli (c)
Virat Kohli was the lone warrior for the tourists. The Indian skipper scored 200 runs and will like to continue with his prolific form.
Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane had to pay the price of meddling with the off-stump deliveries. However, a lot is expected from the Indian deputy. Rahane also has sweet memories of Lord’s when he had scored a hundred on 2014 tour.
Dinesh Karthik (wk)
Dinesh Karthik was not up to the mark in the first match. Therefore, the wicket-keeper batsman will like to grab his opportunities.
India will look to make a solid comeback.
Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya will have to deliver more with the ball. Pandya isn’t making any trouble for the batsmen and thus must improve his performance.
Ravichandran Ashwin
India’s lead spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was right on the money. Ashwin was able to make the most of his experience and will like to deliver another good performance.
Ishant Sharma
Ishant Sharma was able to scalp a fine five-fer in the second innings. Ishant had taken seven wickets while playing at Lord’s in 2014. Consequently, the lanky fast bowler will like to replicate his previous tour performance.
Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami had impressed with his performance in the first Test. Shami will like to give another good performance.
Umesh Yadav
Umesh Yadav was on the expensive side in the first Test match. The fast bowler was wayward in his line and length. Therefore, Yadav will like to come up with a better performance.