As India head into the do-or-die game against the New Zealanders on the 25th, it will be interesting to see how they set themselves up for the game. The visitors have sent a strong message across to hosts with a convincing win in the first match of the series.
India were outplayed by Blackcaps in the first match at Wankhede Stadium and the men in blue will under pressure to register a win and keep the series alive.
Here’s India’s predicted XI for the second ODI.
Rohit Sharma:
No doubts over the opening three slots as Rohit Sharma will surely keep his place and look to capitalize here. He has a weakness against left-armers seaming in towards him and will look to set that straight in the second ODI.
Shikhar Dhawan:
The Delhiite did not manage to trouble the scorers much in the first ODI so he will look to play an authoritative innings in the second game. Dhawan, before taking a break from cricket to be with his wife, was in terrific
Virat Kohli:
Captain Kohli got back into superb touch with a classy century at Mumbai and knows he must contribute once again if India are to end up winning the game and levelling the series.
Kedar Jadhav:
While Jadhav was not able to contribute much with the bat, he was poor in the field too as he dropped a catch off Bumrah’s bowling. He can however cause damage with his part-time bowling and India will look to play him higher up at number 4.
Dinesh Karthik
A solid 40-run+ innings in the first ODI set Dinesh Karthik up as a player who will be banked upon once again in the second game. Karthik looked good along with Kohli and knows he must continue playing well to cement a spot.
MS Dhoni:
The wicket-keeper was not at his best batting in Mumbai, but he knows that if given the time, he can cause some serious damage to the opposition and will look to play big in the final overs.
Hardik Pandya:
India’s fast bowling all-rounder has it in him to go on and play a massive innings at Pune and he too, must capitalize as soon as he arrives. Will be a useful option while bowling to the Kiwis as well.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar:
Someone who surprised a lot of people with his batting abilities, Bhuvi will be counted upon to showcase his talents with the ball as he is better known for that. Will look to capitalize in the beginning and the death.
Kuldeep Yadav:
While the Kiwis managed to curb the damage that Yadav and Chahal could cause, the youngster knows that he is up for a challenge in the second ODI and will look to ensure that he does not get controlled again.
Yuzvendra Chahal:
Another bowler whose impact was mitigated by the Kiwi batsmen, Chahal knows that he can mix it up if required and will be eager to bowl at Pune.
Jasprit Bumrah:
India’s star performer with the ball off late, Jasprit Bumrah has consistently been picking wickets. While he couldn’t do much at Mumbai, Pune offers another chance to show his talent and level the series for the country.
