IND vs AUS: Why is Shardul Thakur Not Playing Today’s India vs Australia 2nd ODI? Check India Playing XI

In a crucial news update, India have unfortunately dropped their premier all-rounder Shardul Thakur for the IND vs AUS 2nd ODI encounter scheduled to be hosted at the Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. The Indian team continued their amazing form in the ODI format of the game with a pretty convincing 5-wicket win over Australia in the first ODI game in Mumbai. After defeating both Sri Lanka and New Zealand at home, India have taken a 1-0 lead in this three-match ODI series against Australia.

IND vs AUS: Why is Shardul Thakur Not Playing Today’s India vs Australia 2nd ODI?

After having lost the toss and being asked to bat first, India captain Rohit Sharma revealed that they have made as many as two changes to their playing XI from the last game. Unfortunately, India have included left-arm spinner Axar Patel as their third spin option in place of seam bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur. Rohit reckoned that the surface will have something more for the spinners in the second innings and they want to try this combination for their World Cup 2023 plans. In the first game against Australia in Mumbai, Shardul bowled just two overs and went wicketless having conceded 12 runs as Australia bundled out for 188 runs in 35.4 overs.

“Pitch has been under the covers for a long time, we got to bat well and see where we are. Every game you play for India is a pressure game, so you got to stay calm and make the right decision. We have tried to remain calm in the last few ODI series we have played. Two changes. Ishan misses out, I am back for him, Shardul misses out and Axar is in. If we win the toss, I thought we could do something with three spinners if we bowl first. I think it will still turn in the second innings. And three spinners is something we might go with in the World Cup, so we want to try,” said Indian captain Rohit Sharma during the toss.

India Playing 11

1. Shubman Gill
2. Rohit Sharma (C)
3. Virat Kohli
4. Suryakumar Yadav
5. KL Rahul (wk)
6. Hardik Pandya 
7. Ravindra Jadeja
8. Shardul Thakur
9. Kuldeep Yadav
10. Mohammed Shami
11. Mohammed Siraj

India vs Australia 2023 Schedule