The second ODI of the three-match series between Australia and Indiais scheduled to be played at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday, October 23. The hosts defeated
the Men in Blue by seven wickets and 29 balls to spare via the DLS method in the series-opening clash in Perth.
Several rain interruptions marred India's progress during their innings as they could only muster 136/9 in their 26 overs. The Aussies did not have much problem in chasing the target down. Josh Hazlewood (2/20 in seven overs) and Mitchell Marsh (46* off 52) impressed for the Aussies.
While one game might not serve as the basis to shuffle the lineup, here are three potential changes which India could make to return to winning ways and keep the series alive.
AUS vs IND 2nd ODI: 3 key changes India must make to win
3. Kuldeep Yadav for Washington Sundar
There was plenty of speculation about Kuldeep Yadav not being picked in the first ODI due to the management wanting to proceed with an extra batting alternative due to the pace and bounce of Perth. Those pre-match chatters turned out to be true as India opted for three all-rounders in their XI, playing seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy alongside two spin all-rounders Axar Patel and Washington Sundar.
Sundar was the last bowler to be deployed and did not have much of an impact with the bat either. With Adelaide historically being much more conducive to spinners, Kuldeep, Asia Cup 2025's highest wicket-taker, could well find a place in the XI in place of Sundar.
2. Prasidh Krishna for Harshit Rana
Harshit Rana's performance in the first ODI was not as underwhelming as his figures (0/27 in four overs) suggest. He bowled some sharp deliveries, which on some other day, could have produced wickets. However, he did not create the expected impact in Perth.
The final England Test of the five-match series might be a thing of the past, but Prasidh Krishna showed his true potential with match figures of 8/188. Having played his last ODI in September 2023, the upcoming second ODI might be the right opportunity for him to make a comeback.
1. Promote KL Rahul above Axar Patel
KL Rahulhas been in fine form across all formats. He has scored two centuries and one half-century in his past five multi-day innings. Rahul has looked solid all throughout while batting at the top of the order.
Axar Patel was sent ahead of Rahul to maintain a left-right combination at the crease. However, Rahul could thrive if sent at No. 5. He emerged as the top-scorer for India in the first ODI with 38 off 31.
