Xtra Time Web Desk: It looks like Rahul Tripathi will have to wait for his turn as it is very likely the Men in Blue will go into the second ODI on Saturday with the same XI that played in the first match. That also leaves Avesh Khan out. May be a win in the second ODI might prompt the team management to play either Rahul Tripathi and Avesh Khan in the third and final game on Monday.
Shubman Gill will keep his place as an opener after his scintillating knock in the first ODI. Gill along with Shikhar Dhawan struck an unbeaten opening stand of 192 runs to see the team home in the first ODI. It remains to be seen the kind of batting order; India would adopt in the second ODI.
There is no way KL Rahul would open after the success of Gill and Shikhar Dhawan, who scored unbeaten half-centuries in the match. With Rahul expected to open in the Asia Cup, him not opening in the first match was a surprise.
Will KL Rahul make any changes to Playing XI? It looks very unlikely. Both Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson will keep their places with the later keeping wickets.
As far as the bowling line up goes, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav will be the two specialist spinners with Deepak Hooda too chipping in. Deepak Chahar, Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj will form the pace attack.
As far as the middle order is concerned, Ishan Kishan, Deepak Hooda and Sanju Samson will don the role. However, their batting slot depends on how does the top order fray. Losing early wickets might force in form Hooda up the order, else he can be used as a finisher.
India’s likely playing XI: Shubman Gill, Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Deepak Hooda, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, Deepak Chahar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna & Mohammed Siraj.