India needs to strengthen the top order

Bowlers certainly did their bit on a helpful Wankhede track which turned out to be pivotal to India’s five-wicket victory over Australia in the first ODI in Mumbai. But not all seems to be well with the batting group, which does need to sort a few aspects out if India are to seal the series on Sunday itself by winning the second ODI at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam.

The Visakhapatnam wicket, though, usually turns out to be quite good for batting.

India’s batting, too, is expected to be strengthened with the return of regular captain Rohit Sharma, who had missed the series opener due to personal commitments. But with Rohit set to be back in the XI, who goes out? That’s one call the Indian team management has to make.

It appears Ishan Kishan, who was the other opener alongside Shubman Gill in Friday’s game, could face the axe. The young left-hander didn’t have it easy at all at the Wankhede, somehow scoring just three runs before Marcus Stoinis trapped him lbw.

That said, even Suryakumar Yadav made no contribution with the bat as he was out off the very first ball he faced. It thus remains to be seen whether India give Kishan another chance or continue with Surya at No.4.

The top order’s inability to contribute on a tricky pitch and against some well-directed bowling with the new ball shouldn’t be taken lightly. Mind you, Australia are without both Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood — two of their leading pacers — and yet, they had India reeling at 83/5 when defending just 188.

Nonetheless, KL Rahul’s composure, grit and patience in his unbeaten 75 on Friday evening that bailed India out is certainly one big positive for the team.

“The pressure on him was certainly there as we had lost so many wickets in quick succession. But he rebuilt really well,” senior pacer Mohammed Shami, whose spell (6-2-17-3) was equally crucial in India’s win in the first ODI, emphasised.

Today’s matches
■ India vs Australia, 2nd ODI, 1.30pm, live on Star Sports Network