Rajkot:After losing first ODI in Mumbai, Team India will look to win the second match and stay alive in the three-match ODI series as they take on Australia at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium on Friday.
India had suffered a 10-wicket loss in the series opener at the Wankhede after a historic opening partnership of 258 runs between David Warner and Aaron Finch. The trouble for Team India continued ahead of the second ODI after Rishabh Pant who was hit on head by a Pat Cummins bouncer in the first ODI, was subsequently ruled out due to a concussion injury.
KL Rahul, who took the gloves in his absence in Australia's innings, is likely to continue in the role. It will be interesting to see where Rahul bats in second ODI. In Mumbai, he was slotted at No 3 with Virat Kohli pushing himself down to No 4. However, with India having posted a below-par total, the management is expected to revisit the line-up. Pant's absence could also allow them to play all-rounder Kedar Jadhav, who can prop up the bowling as well.
Team India will be keen to play with more intent and aggression in their batting as they failed to capitalise on a strong second-wicket partnership of 121 between Shikhar Dhawan and Rahul, resulting in a below-par performance score which was chased down easily by Australia.
Indian captain Virat Kohli might look to make changes in the bowling attack as they had a poor outing in Mumbai. Navdeep Saini, who impressed everyone during the T20I series against Sri Lanka can be brought into the team in place of any other pacer.
In spin department, Ravindra Jadeja looks a certainty and so the choice would be between the two wrist spinners; Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal as the lead spinner.On the other hand, Australia aren't expected to make many changes.Australia's pacers shared seven wickets between them, as India's middle order rolled over. Their bowling attack performed to a plan and Aaron Finch would expect his boys to do just the same.
In batting, Aaron Finch and David Warner's tremendous knocks at the top of the order didn't allow a chance for Marnus Labuschagne to bat on his debut, and all eyes will be on him in the second game. (UNI)