Can afford to play both Rahul and Kishan

Former opener Abhinav Mukund feels that India can play both KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan in the playing XI in the third ODI against England at Lord’s. He added that Shivam Dube can be dropped since he is not contributing much with the bat.

India will take on England at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Sunday, July 19 in the third and final ODI of the three-match series. The series is level 1-1, with India winning the first match in Birmingham by six wickets, and England winning the Cardiff clash by four wickets.

Kishan was picked in the playing XI for the second ODI, with Rahul unavailable due to illness. During a discussion on Cricinfo, Mukund opined that Kishan can retain his place in the playing XI for the Lord’s clash even if Rahul is fit and available. The former India opener said:

“You’ve got to decide then what happens with Shivam Dube. Are you primarily picking him as a bowler or a batter? If he is not giving you runs with the bat, they you can afford to play both KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan. For Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav does come in. You play with seven batters, with Axar Patel batting at No. 7 and then Kuldeep comes in and gives you five proper bowling options.”

Team India went in with five batters and three all-rounders in the second ODI against England in Cardiff, with Dube coming in at No. 8. However, the visitors were still bowled out for 233 in 44 overs.

“I would love to see more of Gurnoor Brar” – Mukund on young pacer ahead of 3rd ENG vs IND 2026 ODI

Speaking about the third England vs India ODI at Lord’s on Sunday, Mukund stated that he is excited to see what young pacer Gurnoor Brar has to offer. Praising the right-arm fast bowler, Mukund claimed that he can be a potential candidate for the 2027 World Cup. The former cricketer said:

“I would love to see more of Gurnoor Brar. He has been a terrific find for India starting from the Afghanistan series. He shows a lot of heart, bowls fast – 145. He is a potential for the 2027 World Cup. In the absence of Harshit Rana, Gurnoor Brar has stepped into his shoes very well. I’d love to see him pick up more wickets.”

Having played five ODIs so far, Brar has claimed 11 wickets at an average of 24 and a strike rate of 6.31, with a best of 3-27.