The second ODI against Australia will be a must-win game for India to keep themselves alive in the three-match series, but former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin reckons there is no pressure on the visitors. India had lost the opening game by seven wickets (DLS method) at the Optus Stadium, Perth.
However, Ashwin highlighted that Shubman Gill’s team focus should be on preparing in the right way for the ODI World Cup 2027. Ashwin said India is ticking most of the right boxes and the series before the ODI showpiece should be used to know the best combination for the quadrennial event.
“There is no pressure on India. We are just putting this pressure. In my view, these ODI games are only happening on two fronts. We need two fast bowlers who will travel to South Africa. They are fixed. I think it will be Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. The third seamer could be Arshdeep. The selection battle is between Harshit and Prasidh, or someone could come in from the outside, depending on the IPL. Kuldeep Yadav is fixed. The other conundrum is if they want to look at Varun,” Ashwin said on ‘Ash ki Baat’.
“The second one is whether Rohit and Kohli will get to the 2027 World Cup. Otherwise, India should just see to experiment in these bilateral series. In terms of combination and upgrading their skill,” he added.
While Rohit was dismissed after scoring only eight runs, Kohli was sent back to the pavilion without troubling the scorers. Kohli and Rohit had last played International cricket in the Champions Trophy and their last professional assignment was IPL 2025. Ashwin said he would want the veteran pair to be amongst the runs in Adelaide.
“If the conditions and rain stays away and the toss is not a big factor, India has enough to get past this Australian team. The mindset should only be to try and play excellent cricket, get out of your comfort zone, get past everything and prepare for the World Cup. I would want Rohit and Kohli to get to form. That should be the priority. Do whatever it takes,” he said.
The second ODI between India and Australia will be played at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday.
