India’s strongest playing 11 vs England for second T20I - Predicted
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
India will clash with England in the second T20I of the series on July 4.
The Indian Cricket Team are touring England for a white-ball series, comprising five T20Is and three ODIs. The first T20I was played on July 1 in Chester-le-Street. The remaining fixtures are scheduled for July 4, 7, 9 and 11. The second T20I will to be played in Old Trafford, Manchester.
Shreyas Iyer and Co. were in action on July 1 for the series opener, where the visitors opted to bat first. After an early stumble, losing two wickets within two overs, Abhishek Sharma and the skipper stitched an 82-run partnership.
Sharma completed his half century off merely 20 balls. Iyer too registered his maiden half century as the captain, scoring 68. Meanwhile, Shivam Dube ensured a strong finish, making 42*.
The Men in Blue put up a defendable score of 189 on the board, but rain played the spoilsport. The second innings did not happen, and the match was abandoned.
While India did field a very strong XI, there could be some alterations going to Manchester. Here’s a predicted Playing XI of India for the 2nd T20I.
Probable Playing XI for 2nd ENG vs IND T20I
1. Abhishek Sharma
The explosive left-hander, Abhishek Sharma, scored a quick-fire 59 off merely 24 deliveries, comprising six boundaries, and four sixes in the first T20I. He handled the early collapse pretty well with a blazing knock. He has been the top-scorer for the team since last one year, and continues to be an indispensable part. His batting in the powerplay will define the game for India in second T20I.
2. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
The 15-year-old sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, did not get opportunities in the Ireland series, nor in the first T20I against England. He is an aggressive batter in the top order, who has had several memorable knocks this year, shouldering his teams to victories. He can replace Sanju Samson in the team, who has failed to score runs in the past three T20Is.
3. Ishan Kishan (wk)
The present No.1 ranked T20I batter, Ishan Kishan has phenomenal stroke-making prowess. He has an incredible game against spin, and pace equally. He can anchor and accelerate his innings at will. His dynamic batting nature helps the team score big. Although, he failed to score big in second match, he will hold key for India in second T20I.
4. Shreyas Iyer (c)
The skipper, Shreyas Iyer, scored his maiden half century in the first T20I, making 68 off 47, with six boundaries and one six. He looked in impeccable touch, and will be the key for his side in second T20I as well. He tackles spin very well, and keeps the scoreboard ticking with his strike rotation.
5. Tilak Varma (vc)
There have been concerns regarding Tilak Varma‘s strike rotation and strike rate against spin in the middle overs. However, the management has trusted him at this batting position and he did deliver in the T20 World Cup, scoring crucial runs, including 21 off 7 in the semi-final against England. He is likely to retain his place in the team for second T20I.
6. Shivam Dube
Shivam Dube has been the silent match winner, always chipping in with quickfire knocks lower down the order. He still remains one of the best spin-hitter and has evidently developed his game against pace as well. He ensured a strong finish for India in the 1st T20I scoring 42* (21).
7. Axar Patel
Axar Patel has been the key all-rounder for the team, with his run-scoring and the wicket-taking ability. He has been very economical in the middle overs with the ball. However, there have been concerns regarding his form with the bat. He would be keen to make a strong comeback in second game, and help his team win.
8. Harshit Rana
Harshit Rana picked 4 wickets in 2 matches against Ireland, with 6 and 5.75 as his economy. He had also chipped in with 29 runs batting on this position. Rana provides batting depth, along with his clinical bowling.
9. Ravi Bishnoi
Ravi Bishnoi did not get any game against Ireland, and did not bowl in the 1st T20I against England. However, he is a proven wicket-taker who did well for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2026, claiming 11 wickets in 9 matches, with a strike rate of 14. He would be keen to make a strong comeback in the second T20I and reclaim his spot back in the team.
10. Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep Singh has been India’s backbone in the T20I format with the ball. He picked 4 wickets in the Ireland series, with economical bowling. His powerplay spell, with early wicket-taking ability, defines the game for the team. He will be crucial in the England series.
11. Varun Chakravarthy
Varun Chakravarthy is returning after an injury layoff. He played in the IPL 2026, where he claimed 11 wickets in 11 games, with an economy under 9. His mystery spin will be pivotal in the middle phase against the English batsmen.
When is the 2nd ENG vs IND T20I?
The 2nd ENG vs IND T20I is on July 4.
Will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi play in the 2nd ENG vs IND T20I?
There are chances of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi playing in the 2nd ENG vs IND T20I, due to the lack of runs from Sanju Samson.
For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.
Cricket runs in the blood of Indians — and that’s something she truly believes in. A law student with a lifelong connection to the game, she has followed cricket passionately since his school days. Like countless young fans, she first experienced the sport on the field before deepening his understanding through constant watching, reading, and conversations around the game. Writing became a natural extension of that passion, bringing a “Pavilion Perspective” to his work — capturing how fans experience matches through their own lens.