Three possible changes India could make in 2nd ODI
KL Rahul could well return to the playing XI for India in the second ODI. Image Courtesy: Getty

Nagpur will host the second ODI between India and Australia on March 5th (Tuesday). Meanwhile, the hosts have taken a one-nil lead in the five-match series against the Aussies – clinching the first ODI in Hyderabad by six wickets. Though there were a few match-winning performances from Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni and Mohammed Shami; some players didn’t live up to the expectations.

As the second ODI is around the corner, Virat Kohli and the team management could make some alterations to the playing XI. However, Cricket Addictor brings you three possible changes India could make in the second ODI.

Three possible changes India could make in the second ODI

3. KL Rahul to replace Shikhar Dhawan

Three possible changes India could make in 2nd ODI
KL Rahul. Image Courtesy: Getty

In-form KL Rahul could be the first on the list to return to the playing XI for team India. As Shikhar Dhawan, in the first ODI got out on a duck; also considering his poor run-of-form, the left-handed batsman could pave the way for Rahul in Nagpur ODI. Meanwhile, during the two T20Is against Australia, KL Rahul was among the runs – hitting 50 and 47 in two games.

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Earlier, Shikhar had won the player of the series in the T20Is against Australia at their home. But since then, he had been out of touch. KL Rahul, on the other hand, had suffered a different fate. Until the Australia T20Is at home, he struggled to buy some runs, but he had been on a roll since the Vizag T20I.

2. Yuzvendra Chahal in for Ravindra Jadeja

Three possible changes India could make in 2nd ODI
Yuzvendra Chahal. Image Courtesy: Getty

The leg-spinner, Yuzvendra Chahal was rested for the first ODI, and Ravindra Jadeja played instead. Though Jadeja was the most economical bowler in the first ODI – giving away 33 runs in ten overs; he didn’t pick a wicket, neither did he put much pressure on the batsmen. However, knowing he remains in a debacle cloud for a spot in India team for the 2019 World Cup, Jadeja could make way for Chahal for the next game.

As for Chahal, he played the two T20Is against Australia. In the absence of Kuldeep Yadav, he didn’t create too many chances for India, as the hosts got blanked at the hands of the Oz in two matches. Bringing him back on the board will keep Chahal upbeat about performing well in the ODIs.

1. Siddarth Kaul remains in contention for a return; Vijay Shankar out

Three possible changes India could make in 2nd ODI
Siddarth Kaul. Image Courtesy: Getty

Much like Shikhar Dhawan, the all-rounder, Vijay Shankar didn’t do any good to the India team in the Hyderabad ODI against Australia. In three overs bowled, Shankar gave away 22 runs and went wicketless as well. As Dhoni-Jadhav helped India win the game, he didn’t have a chance to showcase his skills with the bat as well.

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Siddarth Kaul, the T20 specialist has been on the radar for a while now. Though he leaked runs in the two matches against the Aussies, Kaul could be the surprise package for the hosts heading into later of ODIs.

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