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

The first ODI between India and Australia was held in Hyderabad on Saturday. Australian captain Finch won the toss and elected to bat first. Indian bowlers did exceedingly well to restrict Australia to a small total.

The visitors were never in control during the innings, as they kept losing wickets. They manage to score less than 240 runs. Only Khawaja and the in-form Maxwell did well for them with the bat.

For India, it was a perfect bowling day. 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 Maxwell. Ravindra Jadeja was tight as usual and conceded only 33 runs in his ten overs.

India lost Dhawan very early. Indian captain Virat Kohli played a decent cameo, and Rohit Sharma scored 37 runs, though it wasn't a fluent innings from him. At one stage, India were reeling at 99/4.

But Jadhav and Dhoni played exceedingly smart cricket. Jadhav went after the bowlers and Dhoni played an excellent supporting role. 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.

India might make a few changes for the second ODI to test the bench strength. Lets see the predicted XI for the second ODI.

Top Order

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

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 big tournament.

If Rahul comes in, it means that Dhawan might have to sit out. Dhawan 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.

Kohli is getting starts in the past few ODIs, but is not being able to convert them into big scores, which is unusual for him. He might look to play a long innings in the second ODI, and hence batting at number three might be the best option.

#2 Middle Order and All-rounders

Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav

Rayudu might bat at number four. 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 four would better suit him, as he can play a second fiddle innings and can also unleash if the situation is needed.

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, they might need another All-rounder.

So it's wise to test the middle order batting strength. Jadeja, who did well with the ball in the first ODI, would play at number five. The rock star conceded less than four runs per over in the opening game. He also brings more power to India's fielding.

#3 Bowling department

Mohammad Shami

Mohammad Shami had an excellent 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 tool. He is a clear match winner on his day, and has had enough rest in the past few series. So India are unlikely to rest him for the remaining games. The second ODI between these two nations would be played at Nagpur on 5th March.