Possible XI for India in the 2nd test match
India and Australia will face each other in the second test
match at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru from tomorrow. After being outplayed
by Australia in the first test match at Pune , the Indian team will be looking
to bounce back and square the series. It promises to be an exciting clash
between top two test teams in the world. Here we look at possible XI for India
in the 2nd test match.
1.
Murali Vijay
Murali Vijay did not have a great first test match at Pune. In
the first innings he was dismissed by Hazlewood and in the second innings Vijay
could only contribute only 2 runs. If India wants to the win second test match
at Bengaluru, he must give a solid foundation to put pressure on the Australian
bowlers.
It is important for Vijay to trust his technique and play
with positive intent which will benefit the Indian team.
2.
KL Rahul
KL Rahul was the only batsmen from India to score a fifty in
the first test match at Pune. He scored 64 runs in the first innings and was
dismissed playing a poor stroke. In the second innings, KL Rahul could only
contribute only 10 runs. Rahul should focus on just playing good cricketing
strokes.
Playing on his home ground, India must be hoping that KL
Rahul should give the team a solid foundation with Vijay to help the hosts to
post a competitive total.
3.
Cheteshwar Pujara
Cheteshwar Pujara was dismissed by Mitchell Starc for 6 in
the first innings by an excellent delivery. In the second innings, Pujara was
the top scorer with 31 runs but was not enough for India to escape a massive
defeat. He needs to come with a top quality innings if the Indian team wants to
win the test match at Bangalore.
Pujara has been the backbone for India in test matches this
home season and it’s time for him to show his class.
4.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli had a rare failure in both innings during the
first test match at Pune. In the first innings he was dismissed by Mitchell
Starc for 0 while in the second innings, Virat Kohli could contribute only 13
runs. With the class of Virat Kohli, he would surely bounce back and play a
captains knock in the second test at Bengaluru.
If Virat Kohli contributes in the second test match at Bengaluru,
then the Indian team will surely put pressure on the Australian team. As a
captain, Virat Kohli must be aggressive and not allow Australia to dominate.
5.
Ajiyanke Rahane
Rahane contributed 13 and 18 respectively in the first test
match at Pune. In both innings, Rahane was dismissed by Steve O Keefe.
According to Anil Kumble, Rahane will play in the second test match at Bengaluru
and would like to perform according to expectations.
With the series on the line, Rahane must come with something
special and bat with positive attitude which will help India a lot to post a competitive
total and give the fans happiness.
6.
Wriddhiman Saha
Wriddhiman Saha contribution with bat coming at number 7 was
not good as he was dismissed for 0 and 5 respectively in the first test match
at Pune. Steve O Keefe dismissed him in both innings. Saha contribution in the
lower order will be important if the Indian team wants to post a competitive total.
Saha keeping was excellent 4 catches especially to dismiss
Steve O Keefe. His guidance to Virat Kohli about DRS will be important that can
decide the course of the match.
7.
Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin was given the ball by Kohli in the
second over of first innings at Pune. In the second innings, the top ranked
test bowler was given the first over. He bowled well taking 3 wickets in the
first innings and 4 wickets in the second innings.
Ravichandran Ashwin needs to play an important role if India
is to put pressure on Australian batsmen. If the pitch helps the spinners,
Ashwin needs to pick early wickets which will put Australian team under
pressure.
8.
Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja also bowled well in both innings but could
pick 5 wickets during the first test match at Pune. Jadeja was accurate with
his line but the Australian captain Steve Smith played with positive technique on
tough Pune pitch.
He failed with the bat during both innings. If India wants
to win in the second test match, Ravindra Jadeja needs to contribute well with
the bat and ball which help the hosts.
9.
Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav the Chinamen bowler should come in place of
Jayant Yadav for the second test match at Bengaluru. Jayant Yadav did not have
a great test at Pune not putting pressure on Australian batsmen. He went for
more than 4 runs per in both innings.
Kuldeep Yadav will bring variety in the bowling line up. With
two top quality spinners in the line up, the Indian team must debut him to
throw surprise to the Australia batting.
10 Bhuvneshwar
Kumar
Bhuvneshwar Kumar could replace Ishant Sharma in the second
test match at Bangalore. He has the ability to swing the ball and trouble the
Australian batsmen. In the first test at Pune, Ishant Sharma was given just 14
overs.
If Bhuvneshwar Kumar comes in place of Ishant Sharma, then
the Indian team must give him the new ball to pick early wickets which will put
the Australian team under huge pressure. It is important that Kumar must be
given a chance.
11. Umesh Yadav
Umesh Yadav bowled with great control and aggression during
the first test at Pune. In the first innings he was bought late into the
attack, breaking the opening partnership of 82. With the old ball, Yadav
reverse swing and took 3 important wickets to end with figures 4 for 32 in 12
balls.
In the second test at Bengaluru, Umesh Yadav must be given
the new ball with Bhuvneshwar Kumar to put pressure on the Australian batting
line up.
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