India vs Australia: The ODI series between India and Australia kick-started on a rollicking note in Mumbai. It was a low-scoring thriller that kept almost everyone on their toes and gave immense excitement to spectators. In the end, it was the Men in Blue, who stood tall and soaked in all the pressure to win the game by 5 wickets and take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Based on the sensational bowling performance by Mohammad Shami, India, who opted to bowl, bundled out Australia for just 188 runs. It seemed that it’ll be piece of cake for the hosts to chase the target. But Mitchell Starc was at his absolute best and reduced India to 39/4. After that, it was all about KL Rahul, who smashed a staggering half-century, and along with Ravindra Jadeja bailed his side out of trouble and guided them home.
India vs Australia: 2 changes that India might make for the second ODI against Australia in Visakhapatnam
After India’s staggering win in the first game, the focus now moves towards the second game of the series which will be played on Sunday (19th March) in Visakhapatnam. The hosts would be hoping for the same result and would want to seal the series in the second game itself. There were a few areas of concern for them in the opening game and there’s no doubt that they will rectify them in the second game. Based on a few areas, we take a look at two changes that India can make for the second ODI against Australia in Visakhapatnam.
1. Rohit Sharma in place of Ishan Kishan
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma missed the first game due to family reasons. He, however, will be back for the second match and it’s a no brainier that he will walk straight into the playing XI. But the question remains who the right-hander will replace in the side from the lineup of the first game? It’s fair to say that Shubman Gill has cemented his place in the team on the back of his terrific performances and team no doubt will give him a longer rope. Therefore the only option that remains is Ishan Kishan. The southpaw too struck a double century in ODIs recently but after that, he hasn’t looked promising. He struggled to get going in the first match as well as he scored just 3 runs. So, Rohit Sharma replacing Ishan Kishan will be one change that can be on the cards.
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2. Washington Sundar in place of Kuldeep Yadav
Considering the batting collapse in the first game, India might look to strengthen their batting and add Washington Sundar in place of Kuldeep Yadav. The leg-spinner bowled decently in the first game as he conceded 48 runs and took 1 wicket as well. But he was taken to the cleaners by Mitchell Marsh in the initial part of the innings. With Vizag ground being known for producing belters, the hosts can rest Kuldeep and can bring Sundar. The all-rounder has been blowing exceptionally well and has been handy with the bat down the order as well. Therefore Sundar coming in place of Kuldeep could be another change that India might look to make for the upcoming game.
India vs Australia: Probable Indian playing XI for the second ODI
India vs Australia: Apart from these two changes, India is unlikely to make a change to their XI. Here’s the probable Indian playing XI for the second ODI.
Shubman Gill
Rohit Sharma (C)
Virat Kohli
Suryakumar Yadav
KL Rahul (wk)
Hardik Pandya (vc)
Ravindra Jadeja
Washington Sundar
Shardul Thakur
Mohammed Siraj
Mohammad Shami
Indian squad for the last two ODIs against series against Australia
Here’s the Indian squad for the three-match ODI series against India
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya (c), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Umran Malik, Jaydev Unadkat
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