Kuldeep Yadav in for Washington Sundar? India's predicted playing XI for 2nd ODI against Australia

Shubman Gill lost his first ODI as captain as India went down by seven wickets in the opening match of the ongoing three-match series against Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth last week. The visitors failed to defend 130 runs in the rain-curtailed encounter, which was reduced to a 26-over-a-side contest. However, it was the batting line-up's failure that cost India the game.

Asked to bat first, India saw their top order collapse as both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli flopped on their return. Rohit was dismissed cheaply on 8, while Kohli was sent packing on a duck. Skipper Shubman Gill was also removed cheaply on 10 as India lost their top three inside the powerplay for 18 runs collectively.

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KL Rahul and Axar Patel played valuable knocks to take India to 136/9 in 26 overs. However, the revised target of 131 runs didn't prove enough as Australia comfortably chased down the target to wrap up a dominant 7-wicket win and go 1-0 up in the series. India will be desperately looking to spark a turnaround when they lock horns with Australia in the 2nd ODI at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide on Thursday, October 23.

Former India spinner R Ashwin questioned the absence of Kuldeep Yadav from India's playing XI in the first ODI, while calling out the Gautam Gambhir-led team management's obsession with all-rounders. Kuldeep has been one of India's best bowlers over the last few months and was the highest wicket-taker in the recently concluded Asia Cup 2025.

He continued his fine form in the Test series against West Indies, with 12 wickets in two matches. Despite his terrific form, Kuldeep was left on the bench in Perth and is unlikely to return to the XI for the 2nd ODI in Adelaide. India would prefer Washington Sundar over the specialist left-arm spinner to ensure they have enough batting depth after Rohit and Kohli's poor show in the series opener.

While the bowling line-up is likely to remain intact, there might not be any changes in the batting line-up as well. Skipper Gill will open the batting with Rohit, with Kohli and Shreyas Iyer batting at no.3 and 4, respectively. KL Rahul or Axar Patel can bat at no.5, followed by all-rounders Nitish Reddy and Sundar in the lower middle order.

All eyes will be on skipper Gill and vice-captain Iyer after their respective failures in the first ODI. With Kohli and Rohit looking rusty on their return, Gill and Iyer would be expected to shoulder the majority of run-scoring responsibilities in the game. Both batters have displayed great form over the last few months and will be hopeful of replicating their heroics in Australia.

India's predicted XI for 2nd ODI against Australia:

Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh