Follow UsIndia have once again opted to leave out Kuldeep Yadav for the second One-Day International (ODI) against Australia in Adelaide on October 23 (Thursday). Trailing 0-1 in the three-match series, captain Shubman Gill’s miserable run at the toss continued as India lost their 17th consecutive toss in 50-over cricket - and Australia, unsurprisingly, chose to bowl first.
After being thoroughly outplayed in Perth, where India struggled with bat, ball, and in the field, there were strong expectations that Kuldeep might replace Harshit Rana, who conceded 27 runs in four overs on a seamer-friendly, rain-affected surface. But the Indian management has decided to persist with the same XI, keeping the wrist-spinner on the bench yet again.
Kuldeep’s exclusion will raise eyebrows, especially considering his phenomenal form in recent months. The left-arm spinner bagged 17 wickets in seven matches at an incredible average of 9.29 during the Asia Cup 2025, finished as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in the ICC Champions Trophy, and topped the bowling charts in the Test series against West Indies with 12 wickets at 19.50.
The pressure will also be on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both of whom endured a disappointing outing in the series opener. Playing his first international match since March, Rohit managed just 8 off 14 before falling to Josh Hazlewood, while Kohli registered a rare eight-ball duck. With India desperate to level the series, a big performance from the senior duo will be crucial.
Meanwhile, Australia have made three changes to their lineup. Adam Zampa returns after missing the first ODI due to paternity leave, while Alex Carey also comes back following Sheffield Shield duties. Xavier Bartlett gets his opportunity, as Nathan Ellis is rested. Matthew Kuhnemann and Josh Philippe make way for Zampa and Carey, respectively.
India’s Playing XI for 2nd ODI vs Australia
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj
Australia’s Playing XI for 2nd ODI vs India
Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Matthew Short, Matt Renshaw, Alex Carey (wk), Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Xavier Bartlett, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood