Here’s how you go about putting together your fantasy team for the second India-Australia ODI (6:20)
India v Australia in Rajkot
Our XI: Aaron Finch, David Warner, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins, Ashton Agar, Mitchell Starc, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah
NOTE: We might not always be able to tip you off about a late injury (or other relevant) updates.
Captain: David Warner
A brilliant 128 not out in the first ODI should be convincing enough to select Warner as the captain of your side. But if you are still unsure, Warner has 373 runs at 74.60 in six ODIs in India. Among the countries where has played more than one innings, his average in India is the highest.
Vice-captain: Virat Kohli
The debate is on if Kohli’s move to bat at No. 4 in the series opener was the right one, and although he got out to Adam Zampa once again, there should be no second thoughts about his inclusion in your fantasy XI. Also, he has to be the vice-captain, if not the captain, of your side.
Hot picks
Aaron Finch: When India toured Australia last year, Bhuvneshwar Kumar had troubled Finch with the inswinger. But by staying leg-side of the ball in Mumbai, Finch not only overcame his weakness but also strengthened his off-side play. Out of his 65 runs against the pacers in Mumbai, 58 came on the off-side.
Mitchell Starc: Starc might have played just two ODIs in India, but his overall record in the format is incredible. Among the bowlers with at least 100 ODI wickets, no one strikes as frequently as Starc. A threat in every phase of the innings, Starc was once again among wickets on Tuesday as he picked up 3 for 56.
Rohit Sharma: Rohit hit a couple of gorgeous boundaries before perishing to Starc in the first ODI but his ODI numbers against Australia are remarkable – 2047 runs at 60.20. Only Sachin Tendulkar (nine) and Kohli (eight) have scored more ODI hundreds against Australia than Rohit (seven).
Value picks
Shikhar Dhawan: Dhawan put all the doubts about his form to rest with a measured 74 on a sluggish Wankhede track. Just like his opening partner Rohit, Dhawan too relishes playing against Australia; his last four innings against them read 143, 12, 117 and 74. The left-hander could be a valuable addition to your side.
Pat Cummins: Perhaps the best all-format bowler at the moment, along with Jasprit Bumrah. Starc might have hogged the limelight in the series opener but Cummins quietly did his work and picked up two wickets. While it may look like the pitches in India will be unconducive to him, he has picked up 20 wickets in 11 ODIs in the country.
Points to note
Source: ESPN Crickinfo