India vs Australia 2019: 3 changes India could make for the 2nd T20I

#1 Play Shikhar Dhawan

Dhawan should return to the fold in the 2nd T20I

The left-hander was handed a rest in the 1st T20I to provide Rahul with the platform to showcase his talents. However, the Indian team must realise that too much time on the side-lines could be detrimental for the streaky Shikhar Dhawan.

Throughout his career, Dhawan has either blown too hot or too cold. His purple patches have been immensely prolific whereas his lean patches haven’t particularly been a sight to behold.

Thus, with the World Cup dawning upon India, they need Dhawan to be playing games to keep himself in touch. The consensus would be to bring the opener into the eleven at the expense of Rahul. Yet, the hosts should allow the duo to open together.

Rohit Sharma has been in the thick of action over the past few months as he was part of every series in the Southern Hemisphere. Hence, the mercurial opener needs to be rested appropriately before the mega event.

Moreover, Rahul strengthened his case for a permanent spot with a fluent fifty. And as was the case with Rohit a few years ago, the former’s precocious talent is too tempting to not utilise.

If India is actually brave enough to rest Rohit for a crucial fixture is a question better left unanswered for now. But if Dhawan returns in place of Rahul, the latter would consider himself extremely unfortunate.