Explained: Why KL Rahul Was Not Included in India's Playing XI for 2nd ODI Against England

India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has replaced KL Rahul in the playing XI for the second ODI against England at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.

KL Rahul, one of the most experienced players in the Indian squad, missed out due to illness. The right-handed batter had played in the opening ODI but managed only one run before being dismissed.

Since Ishan Kishan is also a wicketkeeping option, India went with him as a direct replacement for Rahul. The left-handed batter gets an opportunity to make an impact as India look to continue their winning momentum in the series.

During the toss, India captain Shubman Gill confirmed that Rahul was unavailable because of sickness and explained the decision to bring Kishan into the team.

"We would have bowled first as well. Doing well and very happy. We had a near-perfect game last time, so hopefully we can repeat that today. We have one change — KL is sick, so he misses out and Ishan Kishan comes back into the team," Gill said at the toss.

India vs England playing XIs

India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill(c), Virat Kohli, Ishan Kishan(w), Shreyas Iyer, Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Gurnoor Brar, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna.

England (Playing XI): Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook(c), Jos Buttler(w), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood