Debasis Sen, Nagpur: The camaraderie between Virat Kohli and Mahendra Singh Dhoni seems to be secret of success for the Indian team in recent times. The mutual respect for each other has only gone from strength to strength. The two were seen in a jolly mood as the Indian team prepared for the second ODI against Australia at the Vidarbha Cricket Stadium in Nagpur on Monday. The duo was spotted sharing a light moment together at the end of practice session.
With just four ODI fixtures remaining before the ICC Cricket World Cup starting from May 30, Kohli and the team management would look to put an end to the debate as to who boards the flight to England.
The Indian captain did admit at the start of the five match ODI series against Australia that there could be, at the most, ‘two available spots’ in an otherwise settled squad. With Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma picking themselves by courtesy of their success at the top of the order although there is a sudden dip in form of the left hander. Coach Ravi Shastri was seen suggesting Dhawan some minor changes in his stance while batting.
The selectors will be also watching closely the performance of KL Rahul in whatever opportunity he gets in the remaining 4 matches. A good show with the bat will confirm the Karnataka batsman as the third opener for the side at the mega event.
The other spot that the selectors are looking at is the fourth seamer after Md Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. All rounder Vijay Shankar has been thought as someone who can role his arms for 4-5 overs apart from scoring some quick runs down the order. With Hardik Pandya missing the ongoing series due to injury, the Tamil Nadu all rounder is getting an extended opportunity to prove his ability. The Indian captain was seen spending some time with Vijay Shankar towards the end of the practice session. Selector Jatin Paranjpe and Ravi Shastri were seen chatting with each other on the composition of the squad for Tuesday’s tie.
The hosts may make only one change to the squad that played in Hyderabad with leg spinner Yuzuvendra Chahal making his way back to the playing XI in place of Ravindra Jadeja. The left arm spinner was miserly in his spell but did not take a wicket. The effectiveness of Yadav and Chahal bowling in tandem could play a role in selecting the XI.
Australia also is likely to make one change to their squad. Experienced Shaun Marsh will make the playing XI at the expense of Asheon Turner. The left hander Marsh batted for a long time at the nets, declaring himself fully fit for the tie.
Out of form Australian captain Aaron Finch arrived early to the ground with coach Justin Langer as he was seen taking throw downs. The Aussie captain presumably will be under a lot of pressure after failing to give the side a good start. In order to keep himself relaxed Finch did not bat the nets with other teammates, instead he was seen looking at the practice with former Aussie opener Mathew Hayden.
The visitors will be looking to set the records straight at the Vidarbha Cricket Association stadium, having lost all its previous three encounters against India.
Kohli and Dhoni along with KL Rahul were seen joking around after the net session in Nagpur on Monday.