The second Test will also be played in Chennai from Feb 13 and will see fans in attendence.
This second Test match will be a special one, as the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) has allowed a 50% crowd in the MA Chidambaram Stadium, which will see fans in attendance for a cricket match in India for the first time since cricket was suspended due to the Coronavirus pandemic in March of 2020.
The Indian team was hampered due to poor performances by bowlers in the Chennai Test match, and the focus for the second Test match will be rectifying the same in the team combination. Keeping that in mind, Team COC presents the Predicted Playing XI for the second Test against England.
IND v ENG 2021: WATCH - Yohan Blakes admires Virat Kohli for making no excuses after the defeat
Shubman Gill looked good in both his knocks of 29 and 50 in the Chennai Test, but he needs to continue the good starts he has gotten thus far in his career and go on to convert that start into three-figures.
On the other hand, Rohit Sharma has failed to get going despite looking in total control and needs to step up if India needs to get back in the series and win this second Test match. His contribution is necessary for the Indian team’s fortunes.
Virat Kohli is due for a big one and he did show some spark in the second innings as well and it might be time for him to break his century drought here. Cheteshwar Pujara's innings in the first do end due to a freak dismissal, and received brilliant delivery in the second innings and ended India’s hopes of a potential draw.
Rishabh Pant showed what he is capable of, but he needs to understand he needs to be a bit- cautious in his attack as the longer he plays, the more impactful he is.
IND v ENG 2021: "Rahane has to raise his game," says Dasgupta after his poor show in Chennai
In the bowling department, it is expected that Akshar Patel will be fit enough to make his Test debut in place of Shahbaz Nadeem. Nadeem was ineffective in Chennai, bowling 59 overs to 4 wickets across two innings.
Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah are expected to continue leading the pace attack as both were impressive in their own right and would expect more help from Akshar and Sundar to create more pressure on England batsmen.
COC Predicted Team India Playing XI for 2nd Test:
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (C), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (WK), Akshar Patel, R Ashwin, Washington Sundar, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah