India's XI for 2nd T20I: Mohammed Shami replaces Nitish Kumar Reddy, Abhishek Sharma's inclusion uncertain

Shami, who was initially set to play in the opening match, was benched to give the team management more time to evaluate his preparedness. Whether he will make an appearance in this game hinges on a late fitness assessment. Despite his absence, the Indian bowlers put on a stellar performance in Kolkata, with Arshdeep Singh impressing with his early breakthroughs and Varun Chakaravarthy shining in the middle overs.

The Chepauk pitch is expected to favor spinners, much like it has in the past. India’s spin trio of Varun Chakaravarthy, Axar Patel, and Ravi Bishnoi will be key in exploiting the conditions. The home side boasts of quality and variety in a line-up consisting Varun, vice-captain Axar Patel, and Ravi Bishnoi, making them well-prepared for the challenge.

England’s spinners, Adil Rashid and Liam Livingstone, will need to step up significantly after struggling in Kolkata. With Chepauk’s tricky surface in play, spinners on both sides are expected to have a major say in the outcome.

India’s opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson has been a revelation, providing consistent starts since forming their partnership last year. In the first T20I, Abhishek dominated England with a blistering knock, striking at over 230. However, there are concerns over Abhishek's fitness after it was reported that the left-hander has twisted his ankle during India's training session.

If Abhishek is unavailable for selection, there could be a possibility of captain Suryakumar Yadav promoting himself as an opener, since there is no designated opener in the side. Samson, meanwhile, has three centuries in his last six innings, cementing their status as India’s first-choice openers.

They also offer that rare right-hand-left-hand combination at the top, a dynamic that keeps opposition bowlers on their toes.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav will look to regain form, having struggled with just two fifties in his last 11 innings since the T20 World Cup final. Although his performances haven’t hurt India’s winning streak, he will be eager to make a significant impact and lead from the front in Chennai.

If Shami is declared fit, he could replace Nitish Kumar Reddy in the XI. England, on the other hand, might bolster their spin department by including young leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed and have already added Brydon Carse and Jamie Smith to their squad.

With both teams adjusting to the conditions, a thrilling contest awaits at Chepauk.

India's likely XI

Openers: Abhishek Sharma/Suryakumar Yadav (if Abhishek is unfit), Sanju Samson

Middle-order: Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh

All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel

Bowlers: Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakaravarthy

(If Shami remains unfit, he could place Nitish Kumar Reddy)

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