IND vs AUS, 2nd T20I: Fantasy Suggestions

Australia won the first game comfortably [PC: Twitter]

India will face Australia in the second T20I of the ongoing three-match series in Nagpur today. 

The first game turned out to be a high-scoring affair, where Matthew Wade's sensational knock helped the visitors pip the hosts by four wickets. Bowlers from both sides, barring a few, had forgettable outings on Mohali's flat batting track; therefore, they would be hoping to put up a better show tonight. 

As we head towards another fascinating encounter, let's figure out who could be the top fantasy picks for this match. 

Must Picks

KL Rahul

KL Rahul batted beautifully in Mohali [PC: Twitter]

India's swashbuckling opener KL Rahul found his mojo back in the first T20I, slamming a gorgeous 35-ball 55 with the help of four boundaries and three sixes. Moreover, he batted with much intent in the powerplay, which was a relieving sign for Team India. Also, Rahul has an outstanding record in Nagpur (123 runs at an average of 61.50 and a strike rate of 150), which is why we expect him to continue his impressive run. 

Matthew Wade

Matthew Wade in action [PC: Twitter]

Australia's dynamic finisher Matthew Wade was instrumental in Australia's clinical victory in Mohali. Coming at number seven, Wade hammered a sensational 21-ball 45* and took his side past the finish line. 

Overall, Wade has recorded staggering numbers against India in T20Is (315 runs, average: 52.50, SR: 150.72). So, considering his form and past record, it will be an obvious call to pick him as the Wicket-Keeper of your side. 

Axar Patel

Axar Patel picked a three-fer

India's lone left-arm spinner Axar Patel was the only one to put an impact with the ball from their side. The tall tweaker asked tough questions to the mighty Aussies and picked three wickets for just 17 runs on the flat Mohali deck. Therefore, he is the first name on the all-rounder's list you should select in your team. 

Expert's choice

Steven Smith

Steve Smith in action [PC: Twitter]

Star Australian batter Steve Smith had a decent outing in the first game, as he garnered 35 runs off 24 balls. The surface in Nagpur will need patience to score runs, and Steve Smith exceeds the other batters in this aspect. However, he loves challenges, and we believe he will contribute handsomely in this encounter. 

Yuzvendra Chahal

Chahal with Rohit Sharma [PC: Twitter]

India's highest T20I wicket-taker, Yuzvendra Chahal, had a poor game the other night, conceding 42 runs at a miserable economy of 12.6. But mind you, he was bound to bowl in defensive lines in Mohali, as the surface didn't allow him to entice the batters with his flight. 

But the pitch in Nagpur will be on the drier side, so the spinners will come into play. Considering Chahal's incredible ability, we suggest you to keep him in your team, as he can make the most out of a turning track. 

Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell in action [PC: Twitter]

Yes, Maxwell definitely had a bad game last time, as he got out for a duck. But this doesn't nullify his batting impact against India over the years. 

Further, he is a tremendous player on slow wickets and was RCB's saviour at Chepauk in the IPL 2021. When most batters found it tough to get going, Maxwell was the one who emerged as RCB's decorated spin hitter. 

Apart from these names, we expect Nathan Ellis and Harshal Patel to have a fruitful game with their cutters and slow balls. 

Risky Picks

Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav playing a shot [PC: Twitter]

Fondly regarded as India's Mr 360, Suryakumar Yadav loves batting on pitches where the ball comes nicely onto the bat. He is someone who always bats with intent, and such batters often become risky picks on surfaces that require some grind to succeed. 

There are many instances when he has failed to impress on sluggish tracks, with the Chepauk leg of the IPL 2021 and the UAE leg of IPL 2022 being prominent in the list. So, we reckon he could be a risky pick in this game. 

Cameron Green

Cameron Green in action [PC: Twitter]

Promising Australian all-rounder Cameron Green had an outstanding game in Mohali, as his flamboyant fifty was crucial in the visitors' commanding victory. But in this game, the ball will not come onto the bat and will stay low at times. Also, he will be up against Jasprit Bumrah in the power play, who might trouble him with his line and length. So, we feel Green might not fire in tonight's game like last time. 

Also Read: ENG W vs IND W, 3rd ODI: Preview, Key players and Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips