India vs Australia 2019: 2 Indian players who could be dropped for the 2nd ODI

Australia comprehensively beat India in the first ODI at Sydney. Despite the heroics of Rohit Sharma with the bat, India lost the game by 34 runs. Australia put up a good total of 287 runs in the first innings primarily due to the efforts of Handscomb who was quite useful in the death overs and went on to score 73 runs off 61 balls.

In India's innings, the Australian quicks, especially Richardson bowled spectacularly, and hence India lost Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, and Ambati Rayudu for just four runs on the board.

There is no doubt that the Indian top-order will have to perform much better in the second ODI to provide a chance for India to level the series. Also, the team management will have to drop some players to balance the team and give opportunities to other deserving players.

Let us have a look at the two Indian players who could be dropped for the 2nd ODI.

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#2 Dinesh Karthik

Australia v India - ODI: Game 1

Dinesh Karthik was picked as the second choice wicket-keeper ahead of in-form Rishabh Pant for the 3-match ODI series in Australia. Having made the starting XI in the first ODI despite the presence of MS Dhoni in the team, Karthik failed to capitalize on the opportunity and was bowled by Richardson for just 12 runs.

Hence, he was unable to stay on the crease with the centurion Rohit Sharma in crucial circumstances and couldn't help his team chase down the target of 288 runs set by Australia in the first innings.

With Ambati Rayudu reported for suspect bowling action, the team management could consider picking Kedar Jadhav in the second ODI in place of Dinesh Karthik. Being an aggressive batsman with the ability to ball six-seven overs of off-spin, Jadhav could prove to be handy if a fast bowler has an off-day on the field.

Hence, as per the following reasons mentioned above, Dinesh Karthik should be dropped in the 2nd ODI at the Adelaide Oval tomorrow.

#1 Khaleel Ahmed

Australia v India - T20

Khaleel, alongside Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, formed the pace battery for India in the first ODI against Australia at Sydney. Amongst the three fast bowlers, Khaleel was the most expensive and hence didn't even complete his quota of 10 overs in the match.

He conceded 55 runs in 8 overs at an economy rate of 6.88 and couldn't pick up a wicket. With the new ball too, Khaleel was inconsistent with his line and length and hence helped Australia to get a good start in the powerplay.

Having got enough chances to prove himself in the ODI series against the West Indies and the T20 series against Australia, Khaleel has failed to live up to the expectations of the fans and hence should be dropped in the second ODI.

The Indian team management should consider picking Mohammed Siraj in the second ODI. He has got limited opportunities in his career so far and hence should be given a long rope-like Khaleel to prove himself.