India vs. Australia Prediction: India are in very decent form at the moment and leading the series 1-0

India will be facing off against Australia in the second game of the three-game series at Holkar Stadium, Indore. India are in very decent form at the moment and leading the series 1-0. Who will win this game?

Following a successful campaign at the Asia Cup, India carried their winning momentum forward, securing a historic victory over Australia in Mohali, a feat not accomplished since 1996. Their track record at the Holkar Stadium is even more impressive, having vanquished the Australians in 2017.

India's batting lineup is in superb form. Despite the absence of two senior stalwarts, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the batting order exhibited considerable firepower, making the pursuit of the 277-run target appear relatively straightforward. Shubhman Gill continued his scorching run of form, registering four 50+ scores in his last six innings.

Gill found a dependable opening partner in Ruturaj Gaikwad, resulting in a formidable 142-run partnership for the first wicket. KL Rahul, who occupied the number 4 spot, contributed significantly by providing stability to the innings.

The team management expressed satisfaction with Suryakumar Yadav's maiden ODI half-century, achieved after 25 matches. However, Shreyas Iyer appeared to be out of touch and will need to elevate his performance to secure his position in the World Cup squad.

Turning to the bowling department, Shami delivered an exceptional spell, claiming a five-wicket haul, with valuable support from Bumrah. Ashwin made a tidy return to ODIs, marking his first appearance in almost 20 months. It is anticipated that there may be alterations in the bowling lineup, with Prasiddh Krishna likely to receive an opportunity, and Bumrah potentially getting some rest.

Additionally, the inclusion of Washington Sundar is under consideration. Whether he will replace R Ashwin or R Jadeja remains uncertain.

KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan, Shardul Thakur, R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

Experiencing four consecutive defeats in their recent matches, the Australian team finds itself in a challenging phase that demands a quick turnaround.

Despite the return of key players recovering from injuries, the visiting team struggled to post a substantial score on a favorable batting surface, raising concerns. Notably, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Josh Inglis made promising starts but were unable to convert them into substantial innings.

The absence of Glenn Maxwell has been felt, but there is optimism that his return on Sunday will bolster the middle order and add firepower. Additionally, the team is likely to retain the services of versatile all-rounders Marcus Stoinis and Matthew Short, offering valuable flexibility.

Pat Cummins will continue to spearhead the pace attack, with support from Sean Abbott, while Adam Zampa remains the sole specialist spinner.

Australia has opted for a batting-heavy lineup, making some compromises in their bowling department. Players like Stoinis and Green may encounter challenges in India, where pitches often favor the batsmen. Consequently, a reevaluation of the team's balance may be necessary for this match and the upcoming World Cup.

Adam Zampa, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, David Warner, Sean Abbott, Alex Carrey, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins

The Holkar Stadium in Indore is renowned as a batting paradise, boasting an average first-inning score of approximately 300. The pitch is notably flat, providing minimal movement for seam bowlers, and it offers an excellent surface for batsmen, with the ball coming onto the bat smoothly. Furthermore, the outfield is quick, enhancing scoring opportunities. During the second innings, spinners may find some rough patches on the pitch to exploit. Weather conditions are anticipated to remain cloudy, with a chance of drizzling. India has been on an impressive winning streak lately, demonstrating strong team balance, and we anticipate their continued good form.

In contrast, Australia has encountered difficulties in finding the right combination of players despite possessing a talented squad. Nevertheless, we believe Australia holds the upper hand in this contest. Their batting lineup is formidable, and their increased depth will enable them to fully capitalize on the relatively shorter boundaries available. We expect Australia to bounce back from the first game's loss and win this game.