List of India’s current squad members from the last ODI win against Australia in Adelaide

The 2nd ODI of the 2018-19 series in Adelaide on January 15, 2019, remains a landmark victory for the Indian team against Australia. This thrilling contest saw India successfully chase down a formidable target of 299 with just four balls to spare, ultimately winning by six wickets and leveling the three-match series. The win was a testament to the team’s resilience and star power, featuring a magnificent century and a composed finishing effort by two legends of the game. Now, as India prepares to face Australia again at the same venue after 6 long years, the experience and familiar conditions from this historic win become crucial for current players who were part of that victorious squad.

India’s current ODI squad members from the last victory against Australia in Adelaide

1. Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma provided a solid foundation at the top of the order, scoring 43 runs off 52 balls, setting the stage for the rest of the chase. His innings, which included two fours and two towering sixes, was crucial in absorbing the pressure of a big chase early on. He ensured India’s scoring rate stayed competitive during the initial powerplay alongside Shikhar Dhawan, contributing to a vital 47-run opening partnership. Although he couldn’t convert his start into a major score, his stability was key in neutralizing Australia’s new-ball bowlers, allowing the middle-order to operate under less stress. His early efforts were critical in allowing the middle-order batsmen to play their natural game against a quality Australian bowling attack.

2. Virat Kohli

As captain, Virat Kohli played a magnificent, match-winning knock, scoring a brilliant 104 runs off 112 balls and earning the Player of the Match award. His 39th ODI century was a masterclass in anchoring a chase, featuring five boundaries and two sixes, ensuring the innings never lost momentum despite the steady fall of wickets around him. Kohli managed the pursuit expertly, constructing crucial partnerships, most notably a match-defining 82-run stand with MS Dhoni. He showed tremendous composure and timing, rotating the strike effectively while punishing loose deliveries. This outstanding performance not only guided India to a pivotal victory but also levelled the three-match series at 1-1, showcasing his dominance in ODI run chases in Australia.

Also READ: AUS vs IND: Pitch Report for 2nd ODI, Adelaide Oval Stats and Records

3. Kuldeep Yadav

The left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav featured in the bowling attack and played the role of a containing bowler during the Australian innings. He bowled his full quota of 10 overs, finishing with figures of 0 wickets for 66 runs. On a pitch renowned for assisting batters and with Australia posting a challenging total of 298, his performance was a respectable effort, keeping the run flow in check through the middle overs. While he didn’t secure a breakthrough on the day, his ability to keep the economy rate at 6.6 per over was essential, as he prevented the Australian batters from unleashing themselves completely. He maintained pressure, which was later capitalized on by the seamers towards the end of the innings.

4. Mohammed Siraj

The 2nd ODI in Adelaide marked a significant milestone as Mohammed Siraj made his ODI debut for the Indian team. He had a tough day in the office, bowling 10 overs and conceding 76 runs without taking a wicket. Facing a strong Australian batting lineup in prime batting conditions proved to be a stern test for the young pacer, who was learning the ropes of international cricket. Despite the expensive figures, the exposure gained on a challenging pitch against top international batsmen was invaluable experience for his development. His debut, though not spectacular in terms of figures, was a sign of the team management looking towards the future.

Note: KL Rahul was a member of the Indian ODI squad during the 2018-19 tour of Australia. However, he did not get a chance to feature in the playing XI for the 2nd ODI in Adelaide. Despite being present with the team, he had to wait for his opportunity, watching the exciting victory from the sidelines.

AUS vs IND: The ongoing three-match ODI series so far 

The current three-match ODI series between India and Australia began with a setback for the home team in the 1st ODI in Perth on October 19. Australia won the rain-affected encounter by seven wickets via the DLS method. The frequent interruptions reduced the game to 26 overs per side, creating a challenging environment for both teams.

India, batting first, struggled early as the returning duo of Rohit and Kohli, alongside captain Shubman Gill, were dismissed cheaply. The Indian innings was held together by a crucial knock of 38 from KL Rahul, helping them post a score of 136/9. The revised target for Australia was 131, which they chased comfortably, led by captain Mitchell Marsh’s unbeaten 46, sealing the victory in the 22nd over. This opening defeat has put India under pressure, making the second ODI at the Adelaide Oval on October 23 a must-win game to keep the series alive.

Also READ: AUS vs IND: Rohit Sharma’s ODI record at Adelaide Oval