IND vs AUS 2nd Match Prediction

IND vs AUS Team Previews

India

After a successful stint at the Asia Cup, India continued with its good momentum to beat Australia at Mohali for the first time since 1996. Their record at the Holkar Stadium is better, where they defeated the Aussies in 2017.

India's batting looks in terrific shape. Despite resting two of its most senior players, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the batting had enough firepower to achieve the 277-run target relatively easily. Shubhman Gill continues with his red-hot form and has scored 4 50+ scores in his last 6 innings.

He found an able opening partner in Ruturaj Gaikwad as the duo put up a 142-run stand for the first wicket. KL Rahul, who came in at number 4 provides a lot of stability.

The team management will be quite delighted to see Suryakumar Yadav get his first ODI 50 after 25 matches.

Shreyas Iyer looks rusty and will need to improve his game if he wants to retain the spot in the World Cup squad.

Coming to the bowling, Shami bowled an excellent spell to pick a fifer and was well supported by Bumrah. Ashwin bowled tidily despite playing his first ODI after almost 20 months. We suspect there will be some changes in the bowling lineup. Prasiddh Krishna may get a game and Bumrah might be rested. 

Also, Washington Sundar is likely to get a game but whether he plays in place of R Ashwin or R Jadeja remains to be seen. 

Australia

With consecutive losses in the last 4 matches, the Australian team is seen struggling over the last few weeks and will need to turn things around soon.

Despite the return of some of the top players who were struggling with injuries, the visitors failed to get a big score on a good batting surface, and that will be a bit of a concern. Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Josh Inglis got good starts but failed to convert them into a big inning.

The team has missed the services of Glenn Maxwell. He is however likely to return by Sunday and that should add some firepower to the middle order. The team will also likely retain the services of all-rounders Marcus Stoinis and Matthew Short as they provide a good deal of flexibility.

Pat Cummins will lead the pace attack alongside Sean Abbott even as Adam Zampa remains the only full-time spinner. 

Australia has decided to bat very deep and compromise its bowling unit. Players like Stoinis and Green are not going to find it easy in India where the pitches can be quite flat. The team balance may need another look for this match and for the upcoming World Cup as well.