India vs Australia: Preview, Dream XI of second T20I
India find themselves in a must-win scenario when they take on Australia in the second and final T20I match in Bengaluru on Wednesday. India lost a last-ball thriller in the first T20I after managing just 126/7. Umesh Yadav failed to defend 14 runs needed from the final over. Going into the second match, India need to improve their batting. Here's more.
India's batting needs improvement
In Visakhapatnam, nobody apart from KL Rahul (50) showed any character. India lost their way despite being comfortable at one stage. MS Dhoni's labored innings (29*) got the side past 120. This time the onus will be on the middle order to make amends. Application and focus will be key for the Indian batsmen. Skipper Virat Kohli will be hoping for an improved show.
Focus on Pant and Rahul in second T20I
After the first T20I match, Kohli had said that Rahul and Rishabh Pant will be given more chances ahead of the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019. So expect the two to feature heavily in the upcoming ODIs against Australia. Rahul showed his class on Sunday, but Pant failed yet again. This is another opportunity for the two players to come out strong and perform.
India will bank upon a strong bowling unit
India will take heart from their bowling efforts in Vizag. Jasprit Bumrah in particular was superb after ending with figures of 3/16. Yuzvendra Chahal and Krunal Pandya stuck to their plans as well. Going into the second T20I, India might try out Siddarth Kaul. The pacer could replace Umesh Yadav. Then there is all-rounder Vijay Shankar as well in the mix.
Australia have issues to solve
Despite the victory, Australia have issues to solve. Skipper Aaron Finch's international form has continued on a poor note. The middle order has the tendency to falter in crucial situations. Aussies need to bat well just like India. Finch will be happy though with a solid bowling show. Aussies applied the pressure well and got their rewards in the final 10 overs.
IND vs AUS: Here's our choice of the Dream XI
KL Rahul will open the batting alongside in-form D'Arcy Short atop in this fantasy side. Rohit comes in next with Kohli and wicket-keeper batsman MS Dhoni adding variety. Glenn Maxwell (vice-captain) and Krunal Pandya are the two all-rounders. A three-man pace attack sees Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jason Behrendorff and Bumrah (captain) feature. Chahal is the lone main spinner.
Timing, TV listing and India's performances at this venue
The second T20I between the two sides will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network. The match is set to start at 7:00 PM IST on Wednesday. One can stream the match live on Hotstar. India have played three T20Is at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. They have won two matches and lost a solitary tie against Pakistan in 2012.
