India's Playing XI vs Australia for 2nd ODI announced; Harshit Rana compromised for..

Former Team India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has said that left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav should be included in the playing XI for the second ODI against Australia. Pathan also stated that senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma might be slightly behind in form due to limited recent match practice.

Australia secured a seven-wicket victory over Team India in the first ODI of the three-match series on October 19 at the Optus Stadium. Rain reduced the contest to 26 overs per side, with India managing just 136/9. Mitchell Marsh guided the hosts to victory by the 21st over, giving Australia an early 1-0 lead.

How Can We Make Space For Kuldeep Yadav? - Irfan Pathan

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Irfan Pathan suggested ways to include Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI. He recommended either replacing all-rounder Washington Sundar or resting one of the frontline pacers to accommodate Kuldeep.

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"How can we make space for Kuldeep Yadav in the team? According to me, India have 3 ways on how to include Kuldeep in the playing XI. Firstly, they can bring him in for Washington Sundar," Pathan said.

"Otherwise, one of three fast bowlers- Siraj, Arshdeep, or Rana- has to sit out. With this option, India have the batting depth which they prefer since Sundar will be there at No.8, and Reddy becomes the third seamer. You can try any of these options, but try to include Kuldeep Yadav in the side," he added.

Playing 11. Reason for Virat & Rohit’s failure + reason for not choosing Kuldeep Yadav in the first game. Full video on YT channel pic.twitter.com/GdCvREy39B

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 22, 2025

We Will Never Judge Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli - Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan stated that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma lacked match practice. He emphasized that players need to stay in rhythm by playing regularly, as consistent game time helps the management make better strategic decisions.

"We will never judge Rohit and Virat by their performances, and no one should as well, because they are great players. But you have to do the things that are needed, you have to complete the processes, you have to play matches," Pathan further stated.

"In this regard, they have fallen behind. If they had played some matches before coming, and shown some form, the team management might have thought seven batters are enough, and we can include Kuldeep Yadav. But now, since the team is unsure of the form of three players, it is not happening."

Kuldeep Yadav Left Out Of India's Playing XI for 1st ODI

Kuldeep Yadav was left out of India’s playing XI for the first ODI against Australia in Perth. The team management opted for three all-rounders to prioritize batting depth and multiple bowling options over a specialist spinner.

Axar Patel and Washington Sundar were the only spinners in the lineup. In the rain-affected game, Axar and Sundar bowled a combined six overs, conceding 33 runs and picking up two wickets. However, India’s overall performance failed to impress, with the team struggling both with bat and ball.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli failed to make an impact on their return to international cricket after a seven-month break. The duo faltered against Australia’s pace attack. Rohit managed just 8 before being dismissed by Josh Hazlewood, while Kohli fell for a duck off Mitchell Starc.

Their rustiness and lack of match practice became major talking points following a batting collapse. The second ODI match between the two teams will take place at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide on Thursday, October 23.

Also read: Kuldeep Yadav given no clarity by Indian team on his future