Adelaide: India is gearing up for a crucial second ODI against Australia on Thursday, October 23, seeking redemption after a heavy defeat in the opening match of the series. The first ODI, rain-affected and shortened to 26 overs, saw India crumble early on a challenging batting surface, managing only 136/9, despite valiant efforts from KL Rahul (38) and Axar Patel (31). The returns of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma added anticipation to the match, but both players fell cheaply, scoring 0 and 8 runs, respectively, leaving the team in disarray.
The upcoming Adelaide fixture is expected to favor batsmen more than the first encounter. With Kohli and Sharma under intense scrutiny, their performance in this match could have significant implications for their places in the national team. Indian selectors are reportedly contemplating changes to strengthen the middle order and balance the side, possibly including Yashasvi Jaiswal in place of Nitish Reddy or Washington Sundar, depending on pitch conditions.
On the bowling front, the team may also make tactical adjustments. In Perth, India had used an additional seamer at the expense of left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav. Given Adelaide’s pitch characteristics, pacer Harshit Rana might be dropped to reinstate Kuldeep, providing spin support alongside Axar Patel and Washington Sundar/Nitish Reddy.
The probable Indian XI for the second ODI is shaping up as: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar/Nitish Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj.
With strategic tweaks and pressure on senior players, India will be aiming for a strong response in Adelaide, seeking to level the series and restore confidence ahead of the remaining fixtures.