India vs Australia 2019: How India could lineup for the 2nd ODI
The Indian Cricket Team will face the Australians in the second ODI at Nagpur on 5th of March, 2019. After winning the first match at Hyderabad, India will be upbeat and looking forward to taking a 2-0 lead.
The middle-order contribution has been a major positive for the Indian team as they struggled in this department for a very long time. Dhoni and Jadhav forged a match-winning unbeaten 141 run partnership after India was reduced to 99-4 while chasing a victory target of 237.
In the bowling department, Shami, Kuldeep, and Jadeja played a key role in restricting Australia to 236 runs. Considering these factors, let us look at the possible playing XI for the Indian team in the 2nd ODI.
#1 Openers - Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma
Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma will continue as the opening batsmen for India in the second ODI too. With KL Rahul waiting in the sidelines, India needs their primary opening-duo to the hit some form before trying out Rahul in the later part of the series.
The Delhi opening batsman has been struggling for form in ODIs for the past five months. After his century against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, Shikhar Dhawan has been mediocre in the next 15 ODIs scoring just two half-centuries. However, he will retain his place in the second ODI courtesy of his batting record.
Rohit Sharma will continue to hold his opening position as he has been in good form in ODIs. However, the hit-man struggled against the Australian pacers in the first game as scored just 37 of 66 balls. He would look forward to scoring big in the 2nd ODI.
K.L. Rahul, despite scoring a couple of good knocks in T20Is, will have to wait for his ODI chance.