Australia vs India 2018: 2nd Test, Perth - India's Predicted XI

Indian National Cricket Team will look to take a 2-0 lead ahead when they square off against Australia in the second of the four-match Test series at the Perth Stadium starting from December 14 (Friday).

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli & Co defeated the host by 31 runs to go 1-0 ahead in the series. The bowlers did an exceptional job backed by their batters to secure a thrilling win. Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane starred with the bat while Ravichandran Ashwin was the pick of the bowlers.

The Adelaide win is India’s first win in the last ten years and their sixth win overall. Thus, in a bid to improve their statistics and take a 2-0 lead in the series, India is unlikely to bring any change in the playing XI. However, many players will be on the borderline with one poor effort may see them getting dropped from the side.

Here is a look at India’s Predicted Playing XI for the second Test match against Australia at Perth:

Murali Vijay

Murali Vijay will get an extended run with Prithvi Shaw not yet match fit. Vijay will have to score runs at Perth to retain his spot in the playing XI and provide his team with a good start.

KL Rahul

After failing in the first innings, Rahul showed some hint of form in the second innings with scores of 44 runs. However, he will have to score big in the Perth Test to prove his worth in this format.

Cheteshwar Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara played two crucial knocks in the Adelaide Test as the Indian National Cricket team took a 1-0 lead. The batsman from Saurashtra will have to continue his form and play long innings.

Virat Kohli (c)

It was a rare occasion at Adelaide when Virat Kohli struggled with the bat. However, the talismanic batsman will soon return to form, and his side will bank on him to do the bulk of the scoring.

Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane shared a crucial stand along with Cheteshwar Pujara in the second innings as India posted a massive target. His return to form will be an enormous benefit for the Indian National Cricket team in the next matches.

Rohit Sharma

This will be the last opportunity for Rohit Sharma, who made it into the team ahead of Hauma Vihari. The talented batsman from Mumbai failed to impress the selectors and will like to score big to keep his place in the playing XI.

Rishabh Pant (wk)

The young wicket-keeper batsman paid the price for his over-aggressive batting in Adelaide as he threw his wicket in both the innings. However, Rishabh Pant was spot-on with his keeping skills as he achieved a milestone. Pant will look to put some runs behind his back at Perth.

Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin was successful with the ball as he returned with six wickets at Adelaide. He was on point with his line and length as he kept it tight from one end. The off-spinner will want to continue his form and help his side take a 2-0 lead.

Ishant Sharma

Ishant Sharma provided a good start with the new ball at Adelaide and will look to continue his form in the second Test. The tall and lanky pacer will seek to exploit the pace and bounce and trouble the Australian batsmen.

Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami used the old ball to perfection as he broke essential partnerships in the middle-order. The pacer from Bengal, who took five wickets in Adelaide, will look to improve his statistics at Perth.

Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah has been sensational since he made his Test debut and once again did an excellent job at Adelaide. The pacer with an unusual action will look to exploit the seaming condition and help Indian National Cricket team to tak a 2-0 lead.