In the first ODI, when the Indian fans were waiting for some tough competition between India and Australia, the men in blue witnesse a reality check at the Wankhede Stadium. With a dominating ten-wicket win over the hosts, Australia took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. With revenge on their minds, India will be eyeing for a strong comeback against Australia at Rajkot for the second ODI on Friday.

The Australians began their journey to the next ICC Cricket World Cup by completely outplaying their opponent although the same cannot be said about India. With some experiments in the batting order and lack of penetration in the bowling attack, India looked clueless against the Aussies in Mumbai.

Nevertheless, with the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in their playing XI, India looks well-equipped to level the series. With this being a crucial game in the context of the series, both sides will ideally give in their hundred percent.

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Another good belter of a pitch can be expected in Rajkot with scores of over 270 being expected. While the pitch here has provided some help for the spinners in the past, the batsmen should be at ease once they get themselves in. With dew not playing much of a factor in Rajkot, batting first can come very handy. Here are some of the predictions for the game:

India

One forced change will be there for the India team as compared to the team expected from the side that featured in Mumbai. Rishabh Pant is ruled out due to concussion which should pave the way for one of Kedhar Jadhav or Manish Pandey. Although there has been a lot of criticism of India trying to fit in three openers in the side, KL Rahul will be playing in the match to wear the wicket-keeping gloves.

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As for the bowling department, Navdeep Saini or Yuzvendra Chahal can be expected to replace Shardul Thakur after a lackluster performance in the first ODI. There is a possibility of Chahal featuring in the side as well with a couple of changes required of the Indians to make it happen.

Predicted XI: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey/ Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur/Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah

Australia

After a dominant performance with bat and ball in teh first game, Australia can be expected to field teh same XI. Aaron Finch and David Warner can be the crucial cogs for them once again with the dependable duo of Smith and Labuschagne following them. They have ample batting depth as well with Alex Carey assuming the finisher’s role.

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Their bowling unit has a lot of variety with Starc and Cummins is wonderfully complemented by the South Australian duo of Kane Richardson and Zampa. With the Aussies coming into the Rajkot ODI with momentum on their side, they will fancy their chances of a win on Friday.

Predicted XI: Aaron Finch, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Ashton Turner, Alex Carey, Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa

Fantasy XI Prediction

KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma (c), Steve Smith, Aaron Finch (vc), Marnus Labuschagne, Kedhar Jadhav, Pat Cummins, Adam Zampa, Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah.