India vs Australia 2020: India's Predicted XI For The Second ODI

Few or none would have envisioned before the start of the series that India, as hosts, would be under immense pressure to prevent consecutive series losses at home to Australia. As things stand currently from India’s standpoint, they need a performance out of their skin to level the series in Rajkot, spearheaded by their captain, Virat Kohli.

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The over-experimentation by the Indian think-tank backfired big time. The intent of squeezing in all three openers lead to the disruption of the entire middle-order. And things are not about to get any easier for the men in blue. Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant is sure to miss the second ODI because of failing to recover from a concussion. The hosts have also lost both their matches in Rajkot.

India’s bowling looked equally toothless, posing very little threat in defense of a below-par 255 on a batting paradise. Jasprit Bumrah, on his return, has seemed far too rusty. Mohammed Shami and Shardul Thakur proved ineffectual as well and weren’t able to support Bumrah. The home side would carry out multiple changes to pull level with Australia.

We take a look at the predicted XI for India ahead of the second match:

Rohit Sharma:

The vice-captain of India’s limited-overs team fell cheaply in the opening match to Mitchell Starc. Rohit Sharma tried to hit it over David Warner at mid-off; however, he got the toe end of the bat which Warner pouched quite comfortably. The Mumbai batsman needs to provide a solid start to the hosts to stand any chance.

Shikhar Dhawan:

Shikhar Dhawan started very slowly in Mumbai, but found his stride to stitch India’s biggest partnership and the only which was of any substance. Just when the men in blue were looking to accelerate after the halfway stage, the southpaw got the edge of his bat to Ashton Agar at cover for well-made 74. In fact, he was also the top-scorer for India. Dhawan not giving India the necessary impetus was received with criticism as well. But he should retain his place, given his strong showing in the opening match.

Virat Kohli (c):

The move to number three is one massive change India needs to make if they want to win this match. KL Rahul batted well for his innings 47 to thread a stand of 121 along with Shikhar Dhawan. However, the best batsman in the team needs to bat at number three. The Indian captain has mustered a staggering 9509 runs while batting at number three.

Shreyas Iyer:

The move from number to number five lead Shreyas Iyer to start all over again. Since the time Shreyas Iyer made his comeback, he has batted at number four and averaged 43.33. And India has meant to groom him as the long-term number four batsman. Hence, he should return to the position and should be given time to settle in.

KL Rahul(wk):

KL Rahul would continue to keep wickets for the national team after doing the same in place of Rishabh Pant in India’s ten-wicket drubbing in Mumbai. The Karnataka batsman also played a useful hand of 47 off 61 deliveries; hence, there is little chance that India would drop him for the second game.

Shivam Dube:

Sidelining KL Rahul also gives India an option to compress in Shivam Dube, who is a genuine all-rounder. Dube can play the role of a hard-hitting finisher. The presence of the 26-year old also gives the home side an extra bowling option. As such, India did need part-timers in the previous game to produce a breakthrough.

Ravindra Jadeja:

Ravindra Jadeja made a valuable contribution of 25 from 32 deliveries to build a partnership of 49 along with Rishabh Pant. However, the pace attack of Australia was too good to accelerate any further. The 31-year old did threaten with the ball a bit, but couldn’t be penetrative enough to produce a wicket.

Mohammed Shami:

The Bengal pacer finished 2019 with the highest wickets in One-day internationals with 42 scalps to his name. However, the performance in Mumbai weren’t its signs. Mohammed Shami conceded 58 runs in less than eight overs. Despite the plundering, he should retain his spot since he is among India’s best fast bowlers currently.

Jasprit Bumrah:

The lanky pacer was earmarked to be more effective on his return from injury. Contrary to the expectations, not even Jasprit Bumrah could find a way past David Warner and Aaron Finch. Bumrah went for 50 runs in his seven overs, conceding nine boundaries in his spell. However, he should keep his place since India’s pace stocks stand depleted due to injuries as of now.

Kuldeep Yadav:

Here’s one bowler, who was the most threatening among all the bowlers. Kuldeep Yadav most threatened the Aussie skipper Aaron Finch, whose bat took a couple of edges only to land safely. In ten overs, he went for 55. The track at Rajkot is expected to be another batting-friendly wicket and the left-arm spinner should have another crack at the Australians.

Navdeep Saini:

The speedster is likely to come in for Shardul Thakur. Shardul Thakur unsettled David Warner in his first over after which the southpaw toyed with his bowling. The Mumbai pacer was thrashed for 43 runs in five overs on his home turf. With Navdeep Saini in good nick, India should consider drafting him in.

Also Read: India vs Australia – 2nd ODI, Rajkot – Match Prediction