India need to win to stay alive

It was a washout for India in the first ODI against Australia. The Kangaroos yet again proved their mastery in this cricket format by hammering Virat’s men by a massive 66 run lead. As India head to their second match this Sunday, the question uppermost in everybody’s mind is: can Virat come back into the game?

We think that this loss has more to do with India’s casual approach than anything else. More than the Australians, it was some poor fielding and an abundance of bad luck that got in India’s way. Virat has that rare resilience that can get him back into the series. If Bumrah and company regain their rhythm, India can ace the next outing.

Australia on a roll

• Australia to win: 11/20
• India to win: 7/5

Australia had already played quite a few international matches just before the start of the IPL2020. After beating England convincingly, the Kangaroos already had momentum before taking on India. Perhaps the biggest strength of Team Down Under is its all-rounders. Have a look at Glenn Maxwell. On odd days, he can double up as a bowler. With Zampa as the only spin specialist, Maxwell’s role becomes very important.

Pat Cummins and Marcus Stoinis both have great innings to play in this series. Cummins can hit big when it comes to chasing runs, and Stoinis has shown what a prolific run-getter he is, irrespective of his batting position. Coach Langer has already confirmed he wants both of them on his side, and he might go for another player from Sams, Agar, Henriques and Green. You’ll see that Langer has a problem of plenty.

Plagued by injuries

When you think about the Indian team, all that comes to your mind is ‘injuries’. Navdeep Saini has been rested because of back spasms, and there’s talk that Hardik Pandya is also unwell. The Indians don’t have Rohit Sharma or Ishant Sharma either. The Indian cricket board will update on Rohit’s health on December 11, so he is more or less ruled out of this ODI series.

India too have its share of all-rounders in Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja. However, both these players need to up their game. Pandya is an incredible batsman, but if he doesn’t bowl in the next match, Virat will have trouble balancing his team. Jadeja also needs to prove himself in the bowling area and lessen the pressure on Bumrah and Shami.

“Disappointing Body Language”

Skipper Virat Kohli was quick to criticise India’s fielding lapses. In a post-match presser, the dashing Delhi batsman admitted that “the body language after 25-26 overs was disappointing. A quality side will hurt you (if you have fielding lapses).” Meanwhile, former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar laughed off Steve Smith’s disdain for the Indian pace attack by saying that Shami was difficult to “negotiate.” The Aussie spinner was answering his fans on his Instagram Q&A session.