Shubman Gill loses toss again as India bat first in 2nd ODI vs England

Shubman Gill lost the toss for the second consecutive match as India were asked to bat first in the 2nd ODI against England at Cardiff on July 16, 2026. The young opener will lead India’s chase for a series-levelling win after a defeat in the series opener.

What happened in the toss?

England captain Jos Buttler won the toss and elected to field first, handing India the challenge of posting a competitive total. Gill, who has been in fine form this year, will open the batting alongside Rohit Sharma. The team made one change, with Ishan Kishan replacing KL Rahul due to an injury concern.

Why this matters for Shubman Gill

Gill’s ability to anchor the innings will be crucial as India look to bounce back from their loss in the first ODI. The right-hander has been a consistent performer in white-ball cricket, and his partnership with Rohit Sharma at the top will set the tone for India’s innings. A strong start could help India post a defendable total on what is expected to be a batting-friendly pitch.

What comes next?

India will need to bat deep and build partnerships to set a challenging target. The middle order, featuring Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav, will be key in accelerating the run rate. Meanwhile, England’s bowlers, led by Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, will aim to exploit early movement and restrict India’s scoring.

The match promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams eager to gain an advantage in the series. Gill’s performance at the top will be closely watched as India aim to level the series.