Indian National Cricket team bounced back in style after a devastating loss in the T20I series to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match ODI series against Australia. Meanwhile, this will be a huge confidence booster for the side going forward to the next four games in the series.
The men in blues produced a clinical effort to take a 1-0 lead in the series. However, they will ponder over the current form of Ambati Rayudu and Shikhar Dhawan. Both the cricketers have struggled to hit the right stride for their team and will look to find some runs. However, KL Rahul – who recently returned to form is likely to get a nod ahead of Ambati Rayudu in the second game.
The bowling combination remains the same as Indian National Cricket team aims to take a 2-0 lead in the series.
Date and Venue: 5th March 2019, Vidarbha Cricket Association, Nagpur.
Series Result:
| INDIA | AUSTRALIA |
| 1 | 0 |
Here is the predicted XI of Indian National Cricket team against Australia for the second T20I at Nagpur:
ROHIT SHARMA
Rohit Sharma failed to capitalise on the start he got in the first match. The swashbuckling opener needs to score big hundreds to set the tone for his side in the games to follow.
SHIKHAR DHAWAN
Shikhar Dhawan got out for a first-ball duck in the first game against Australia. The southpaw needs to return to form to provide a good start alongside Rohit Sharma. Also, the Delhi-born cricketer has to score runs as the likes of KL Rahul are waiting on the ropes to grab the opportunity.
KL RAHUL
After a struggling tour of Australia, KL Rahul has finally started hitting the strides at the right time. This will provide the management will the agility to float Virat Kohli in the batting order. Rahul, who missed the first game, will look to seal his berth with a classical knock at Nagpur.
VIRAT KOHLI
Virat Kohli is likely to bat at no four giving more stability to the wobbly middle-order. Although Kohli has blown hot and cold in this series, the top-ranked ODI batsman can destroy any bowling attack in the world.
MS DHONI
MS Dhoni’s love affair with Australia in 2019 continues as he registered his fourth fifty in as many as games. The former skipper’s return to form will be a massive benefit for Virat Kohli going into the World Cup.
KEDAR JADHAV
Kedar Jadhav played a blinder in the last outing alongside MS Dhoni to take Indian National Cricket Team 1-0 up in the series. Jadhav will be striving to attain consistency and seal his berth. Following his knock in the first game, the pocket-size dynamite admitted that it is payback time now.
VIJAY SHANKAR
The upcoming four ODI will be the last opportunity for Vijay Shankar to grab his chance to sit on the plane to England. The Tamil Nadu all-rounder has finally started to find the ground in the international circuit and will be desperate to make this chance count.
RAVINDRA JADEJA
Although Ravindra Jadeja went wicketless in the first game, he was economical throughout building on pressure from one end. Furthermore, the all-rounder is a swift fielder in the outfield which gives an added advantage to the team.
KULDEEP YADAV
Kuldeep Yadav did a fair job in Hyderabad returning with two for 46 in his 10 overs. Kuldeep will be keen to dominate the middle overs and weave his magic to bamboozle the Australian batting line up.
MOHAMMED SHAMI
Mohammed Shami has been a revelation in the ODI format and has grown on to become the second seamer of the side. He was outstanding in the last fixture and will be keen to carry on his superb performances onto the World Cup.
JASPRIT BUMRAH
