ugc_banner

India vs Australia: India's predicted XI for the second ODI

WION Web Team
Nagpur, Maharashtra, IndiaUpdated: Mar 05, 2019, 08:45 AM IST
main img
File photo of Australian cricketer D'Arcy Short (R) playing a shot as India's wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni looks on. Photograph:(AFP)

Story highlights

India defeated Australia in the first ODI between to take a 1-0 lead in the five-game ODI series

India defeated Australia in the first ODI between to take a 1-0 lead in the five-game ODI series. Held in Hyderabad, Indian bowlers did exceedingly well to restrict Australia to a low score of 236 runs.

Jasprit Bumrah had a rare off day but Mohammad Shami made sure that Australia was never getting away with the game as he picked the two wickets including that of in-form Glenn Maxwell.
 
For India, Kedar Jadhav and MS Dhoni took brought the game in control as the hosts, at one stage, were reeling at 99/4. 

Both of them scored match-winning half centuries. Jadhav won the Man of the Match for his match-winning 81 runs. Dhoni notched up his fourth consecutive ODI half-century against Australia.

With the second ODI being played today at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur, India might make a few changes to test the bench strength. 

Here's the predicted XI for the upcoming game. 

#Top order

India might be tempted to go with Rahul to open the innings along with Rohit Sharma. The former has played really well in the T20I series. So if India are looking at him as a backup opener, then he must get a few games before the 2019 World Cup. 

If Rahul comes in, Dhawan might have to sit out. The southpaw got out for a golden duck in the first ODI and has been inconsistent in recent days. 

Virat Kohli will take his usual number three position as he perfectly fits the bill. 

#2 Middle Order and All-rounders

Ambati Rayudu might bat at number four. He departed for 13 in the first but might surprise the visitors today. 

Dhoni's presence among the youngsters makes a big difference. Kedar was more vocal about Dhoni's role in the first ODI. Hence, batting at number five suits him. It won't be a big decision if Dhoni is promoted to no 4. 

Vijay Shankar had a very little role to play in the first ODI so we might see Pant at number six, where he can play the finisher's role. With Kedar and Jadeja doing well with the ball, India can go with an extra batsman or bowler or even an all-rounder.

# Bowling department

Mohammad Shami displayed excellent bowling in the first ODI. He conceded only six runs in his first four overs. He also took two crucial wickets in the second spell. The 28-year-old looked really fit, and the Indian captain complimented him for looking so lean.

The number one ODI bowler for India, Jasprit Bumrah, took the wicket of Aaron Finch, after which he conceded a lot of runs. He had rare off day. However, he is one of the best Indian bowlers and one of the trump cards for the World Cup.

Kuldeep Yadav would play ahead of Chahal even in the second ODI too. He is a clear match winner, hence India are unlikely to rest him for the remaining games.