India’s return to international cricket after a gap of more than nine months did not go as planned. They were good on the patches, but that would never be enough to beat a strong Australian team in their own backyard. The result was a 66-run loss at the first ODI in Sydney and experts have already raised concerns about the Indian bowling attack and the lack of depth in it.
While hitting the panic button so early might not be the prescribed way, but being a three-game series, the margin for error is narrow and even tighter now that India has lost the first match.
In the second ODI against Australia on Sunday in Sydney, India, therefore, you may want to make minor adjustments to your XI game.
Here’s India’s planned XI for the second ODI against Australia
Mayank Agarwal: What if Mayank Agarwal hadn’t played that Josh Hazlewood shot? India had reached 50 within 5 overs. The yeses and buts are endless if you are Agarwal. But the starter has very few options but to look forward to scoring a great second ODI.
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Shikhar Dhawan: Yes, Shikhar Dhawan scored 74 and was India’s second leading scorer after Hardik Pandya, but he gave at least two genuine chances over the course of his innings that were not accepted by the Australian fielders. Much would travel in the experienced southpaw to give India an advantage.
Virat Kohli: The Indian captain would be livid from the shot he played against Hazlewood. Like Dhawan, Kohli was also eliminated early in his innings, but was unable to capitalize on it.
Shreas Iyer: For all his talent, Shreyas Iyer has a very Indian weakness against well-aimed short distance bowling. They have even discovered it in the past, but in Australia, it would be their ultimate proof. On the first try, he laid down his bat like a periscope and was fired for 2 by Hazlewood. It would be interesting to see him ‘bounce back’ on Sunday.
KL Rahul: Another hitter from India who gift-wrapped his window to Australians. Rahul hit a full pitch straight to the covering fielder after Adam Zampa’s pitch at a crucial moment.
Read also | ODI 2nd preview: With series at stake, India rushes to rectify mistakes
Hardik Pandya: The only hitter from India who had a perfect night with the bat in hand was Pandya. He made a century-long partnership with Dhawan to give India hope, but came out for 90 when the order rate reached 11 runs higher.
Ravindra Jadeja: The only SUV on the side like Pandya is not bowling, he was average with the ball and on the field. When it was Jadeja’s turn to hit, his approach was a bit confusing as he didn’t go after the bowling pin even as the required speed was going up.
Mohammed Shami: By far the best Indian bowler exhibited at the first ODI. The only thing missing from Shami’s kitten was a wicket with the new ball. He would like to change that in the second ODI against Australia.
Yuzvendra Chahal: India’s top spinner had a day off in the previous match, but trust him to come back with a much better performance in the second ODI.
Jasprit Bumrah: The spearhead of the Indian pacemaker was taken to the cleaners by Australian starters. It pushed him back towards the end, but India would like him to hit the new ball too.
T Natarajan: The left arm could debut instead of Navdeep Saini. It was hard to understand why Saini was chosen when she had complained of back spasms before the first ODI.
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