Team India faces Australia in the second T20I at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, looking to continue their strong performance despite a series of toss losses. India has now lost five consecutive tosses on this tour and, as has become customary under Australian captain Mitchell Marsh, has been asked to bat first once again.
India Confirm Unchanged XI for Second T20I
India were in a commanding position at 97/1 in 9.4 overs when the first T20I was abandoned due to rain. Ahead of the second clash, India has decided to stick with the same playing XI, leaving Arshdeep Singh on the bench once again. Harshit Rana retains his place in the team.
Despite overcast conditions and a pitch at the MCG that traditionally favors seamers, India has opted for three spinners—Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Kuldeep Yadav—to strengthen the middle overs.
Australia, on the other hand, has made one change to their side, bringing in Matthew Short in place of Josh Philippe.
After losing the toss, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav confirmed he would have chosen to bat first anyway. “We are happy to bat first. That is the brand of cricket we want to play,” he said, according to Cricbuzz.
Key Players and Team Line-Ups for Second T20I
India will be hoping to extend their unbeaten T20I record at the MCG, having last lost a game there in 2008. The Men in Blue will rely on their top order of Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Suryakumar Yadav, supported by all-rounders like Shivam Dube and Axar Patel. Jasprit Bumrah will lead the bowling attack alongside Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy.
India XI: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah
Australia XI: Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Tim David, Matthew Short, Mitchell Owen, Marcus Stoinis, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Josh Hazlewood
With India set to bat first and a full-strength squad ready to go, the second T20I promises an exciting clash at the MCG. Fans can expect a competitive battle with both teams looking to gain the upper hand in this series.
