India vs Australia 2nd ODI: After a tough loss in the first ODI against Australia, Team India will be looking to bounce back stronger in the second match at Adelaide Oval on October 23. The opening game in Perth didn’t go India’s way — rain interruptions, inconsistent batting, and lack of control with the ball all combined to hand Australia a seven-wicket win under the DLS method. Now, with pride and the series on the line, Rohit Sharma’s men are expected to make some crucial changes for the must-win clash.
India’s Struggle in Perth: A Wake-Up Call
The first ODI at the Optus Stadium was far from ideal for the Men in Blue. Batting first in difficult conditions, India could only manage 136/9 in 26 overs, with KL Rahul’s stylish 38(31) being the only major highlight. The rest of the batting lineup faltered against disciplined Australian bowling.
Virat Kohli fell for a duck, Rohit Sharma for just 8, and the middle order never really settled. Despite a brief late cameo by debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy, India’s total was simply too small to defend. Australia, led by stand-in captain Mitchell Marsh, chased down the revised target of 131 with ease and plenty of balls to spare.
Changes Expected in Team India’s Playing XI
For the second ODI, Kuldeep Yadav is expected to return to the lineup, bringing spin variety and wicket-taking ability in the middle overs. His inclusion could replace one of the pacers — most likely Harshit Rana, who struggled with both bat and ball in Perth.
Rana’s performance came under heavy scrutiny from fans and cricket experts alike. The Delhi pacer failed to make an impact, and management might turn to the more experienced Prasidh Krishna, who has 29 wickets in 17 ODIs and was the highest wicket-taker in IPL 2025. Krishna’s pace and bounce could be effective on the Adelaide track, known for offering something to fast bowlers early on.
Nitish Kumar Reddy: The New Spark in Indian Cricket
One of the biggest talking points from the first ODI was the impressive debut of Nitish Kumar Reddy. The 22-year-old fast-bowling all-rounder made his ODI debut at the same venue where he received his Test cap last year — Perth’s Optus Stadium.
Before the game, skipper Rohit Sharma gave an emotional speech while handing Nitish his ODI cap, calling him a “future all-format great.” Rohit’s exact words reflected immense belief and pride in the youngster:
“You’ve got a great start to your career, and it’s only because of your attitude and the way you play the game. I’m 110% sure you are going to go a long way in this Indian team.”
Rohit also assured Nitish that the entire team would “rally around him” and support him through his journey.
In his debut innings, Nitish didn’t disappoint — smashing two towering sixes and remaining unbeaten on 19 off 11 balls. His confident batting and calmness under pressure were glimpses of a promising future.
Pressure on the Big Names: Kohli and Rohit to Fire
Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma had forgettable outings in the first ODI, but the duo remains the backbone of India’s batting lineup. In Adelaide, fans will expect a statement performance from the experienced pair. Rohit is likely to continue opening, with Kohli taking his usual No. 3 spot.
The middle order, featuring KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, will also need to find rhythm early. India’s ability to post a competitive total will depend heavily on their partnerships.
Team Balance: Spin, Pace, and Strategy
India’s bowling lacked penetration in the rain-hit first game. With Kuldeep Yadav set to return, India will aim for a better spin-pace balance. A likely combination could see Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, and Siraj as the pace trio, supported by Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja in the spin department.
This setup provides attacking options across all phases — new ball swing, middle-over control, and death-overs accuracy.
Adelaide Awaits: Must-Win for India
The Adelaide Oval has always been special for Indian cricket fans. From Kohli’s centuries to thrilling finishes, the venue has seen it all. As India prepares for the second ODI, the focus will be on resilience, smart cricket, and teamwork. The bowlers need to adapt quickly, and the batters must anchor their innings with intent.
For Australia, a win will seal the series, but for India, it’s about redemption — and showing that the Men in Blue can rise when it matters most.
Predicted Playing XI for India (2nd ODI)
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Rohit Sharma (C)
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Shubman Gill
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Virat Kohli
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KL Rahul (WK)
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Suryakumar Yadav
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Nitish Kumar Reddy
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Ravindra Jadeja
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Kuldeep Yadav
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Jasprit Bumrah
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Prasidh Krishna
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Mohammed Siraj
Final Thoughts
The second ODI isn’t just another match — it’s a test of character, determination, and pride. With young stars like Nitish Reddy bringing fresh energy and veterans like Kohli and Rohit leading from the front, India has every reason to believe they can level the series.
The stage is set at Adelaide, and the Men in Blue are ready for redemption. Will they rise again? Fans across the world are waiting for the answer.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on current reports and available information as of October 20, 2025. The final playing XI may change depending on team management decisions and match-day conditions. All quotes and data are sourced from public reports and official cricket updates.