IND vs AUS, 2nd T20I | India Predicted XI vs Australia

image-lpdu6st5India will be playing against Australia in the second T20I (Source: AP Photos)

Following the  2023 World Cup, the grand finalists of the marquee event began a new cycle that revolves around the T20 World Cup 2024. The second Twenty20 International between India and Australia will be played in the Greenfield International Stadium, Trivandrum, Kerala. After a run-fest in Visakhapatnam, the hosts now lead the series 1-0. 

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Australia scored 208 runs for the loss of three wickets after being compelled to bat first. For the Kangaroos, Josh Inglis hammered a magnificent century and Steve Smith slammed a half-century to take them past 200. However, it was not enough to secure a victory over the hosts. The Indian team overhauled the chase thanks to Suryakumar Yadav's masterclass. Even though the interim captain was removed in the slog overs, Rinku Singh denied a triumph to the visitors. A nail-biting last over saw Rinku hit the final blow to seal the deal for the Indians.

So, could there by any alterations in the Indian XI despite a victory. Let us have a quick look.


Openers: Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad

India may back their opening combination that includes Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad. The left-hander gave a fiery start in the last game but failed to get along for long. He has an attacking game with the bat and shall look to do inside the powerplay.

Jaiswal’s partner should be Gaikwad who is also the vice-captain of the team until Shreyas Iyer joins for the last couple of T20Is. The Maharashtra cricketer is a stable batter and has been performing consistently with the bat in hand for the last three years. Although he got out cheaply in the first T20I, Gaikwad would look to turn around his fortunes with the willow.


Middle-Order: Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh

Suryakumar Yadav played a captain's knock and scored 80 runs in almost at a strike rate of 200. He is a fascinating batter and Mr. 360 will look to continue his good form in this short format. Tilak Varma and Ishan Kishan should be the next batters in the middle order. The left-handers could be shuffled across the middle order with respect to the right and left-hand combo.

Lower down the order is a spot booked by Rinku Singh. He averaged over 50 in the domestic circuit for Uttar Pradesh but found his way back into the Men in Blue only after an impressive IPL season. Rinku is tamed to be the future finisher of the side and did execute his role superbly in the previous T20I against the visitors.


All-rounder: Axar Patel

India must back Axar Patel who missed out a stint in the World Cup due to an injury. The left-arm orthodox spinner has improved heap and bounds with the bat in hand. He is inching toward becoming a proper All-rounder and can be effective in various phases of the game.


Bowlers: Prasidh Krishna, Mukesh Kumar, Ravi Bishnoi and Arshdeep Singh

Although India have the luxury of Avesh Khan in the squad, they would look to back their selected pace trio that featured in the first T20I. Mukesh Kumar was terrific with the ball initially but Prasidh Krishna was a bit expensive. Arshdeep does provide the left-arm pacer’s angle and gave away just seven runs in his first couple of overs.

Ravi Bidhnoi should be the primary spinner of the side. Expect more googlies than leg break from the Rajasthan spinner. And Washington Sundar may have to wait for his opportunity.


India Predicted XI against Australia

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Ishan Kishan (wk), Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Mukesh Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, and Prasidh Krishna.