KL Rahul dropped from IND vs ENG 2nd ODI: Why India rested the star batter

KL Rahul was left out of India’s XI for the second ODI against England on 19 July 2026, a surprise call that ended his run in the series opener.

What happened?

India named an unchanged XI for the second ODI at Lord’s except for one change: KL Rahul was replaced by Ishan Kishan. The decision came after the first ODI on 17 July, where Rahul scored 45 off 58 balls in a 10-wicket loss. Selector Ashish Nehra said the move aimed to freshen the squad after back-to-back defeats.

Why was KL Rahul dropped?

Rahul’s form looked shaky in the first ODI, where England’s spinners tied him down. Nehra said the think-tank wanted to “rotate the batting order” and give another batter a run. The call also hinted at a longer-term plan to manage Rahul’s workload after his recent stints in Tests and T20Is.

What comes next?

Rahul is now on notice for the third ODI on 22 July. If India pick him again, he’ll need to show sharper intent against a bowling attack still brimming with confidence. The series hangs in the balance after England’s opening win, and every run matters.

How India’s batting looks without Rahul

Without Rahul, India’s top order leans on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to fire early. Ishan Kishan’s promotion adds youth and power, but the middle order loses a proven finisher. The move tests whether India can adapt mid-series or if the gamble backfires.