Why is KL Rahul Not Playing In India vs England 2nd ODI Today? Reason Revealed

England captain Harry Brook won the toss and elected to bowl first in the second ODI of the three-match series against India at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on Thursday (July 16).

India entered the contest with a 1-0 lead after registering a convincing six-wicket victory in the series opener at Edgbaston. Captain Shubman Gill led from the front with the bat, while Axar Patel and Washington Sundar made valuable contributions to help India chase down the target comfortably.

Gill, who experienced cramps during the first ODI and briefly left the field, has recovered and is leading the side once again. A win in Cardiff would hand India an unassailable lead and seal the series, while England are aiming to level the contest before the final ODI. And for this encounter, KL Rahul is missing for India as they have made one change.

Why is KL Rahul not playing for India Today?

KL Rahul is not playing in this match as he is sick. The Karnataka player has been replaced by Ishan Kishan. Gill revealed that India would also have chosen to bowl had they won the toss.

"We would have bowled first. I am doing well and very pleased with a near-perfect last game. We had a good powerplay, and the way we came back in the middle overs was tremendous to see. I have very good memories here with Glamorgan. We have made one change - Ishan Kishan comes in for KL Rahul," he said.

Rahul played in the last game in Birmingham, and scored 1 run with the bat. Honing his wicketkeeping skills, Rahul took 2 catches and also completed a stumping in the match.