October 20, 2025
India vs Australia Second ODI: Preview & Prediction
The upcoming second ODI between India and Australia promises a thrilling contest after a dramatic first game. With both sides featuring strong line-ups, the match will hinge on key performers and match-ups. We look at the batters and bowlers to watch, India vs Australia Head-to-Head context, and deliver our match prediction.
From the First ODI to the Second
In the opening match, Australia chased down India’s total with 7 wickets in hand and 29 balls remaining. India’s batting collapsed under pressure. The visitors will aim to bounce back while Australia will seek to maintain momentum.
That result sets the tone for the second ODI. India must address their batting wobble and opposition’s bowling strength. Australia will rely on its batters and bowlers to continue dominance.
Batters to Watch
Australia
Travis Head
Head has scored 305 runs in his last 8 matches, averaging 43.57 at a strike‐rate of 128.69. He is in fine form and brings aggression to the top of the order. If Australia aims to set or chase a strong total, his input will be key. India’s bowlers will need to keep him quiet early to avoid being put on the back foot.
Mitchell Marsh
Marsh has delivered big numbers: 252 runs in his last 4 matches, average 84.00, strike‐rate 90.32. He offers solidity and the ability to accelerate. For Australia, Marsh is a crucial middle‐order anchor and game-changer. India must plan for his presence, especially in the middle overs.
India
Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill has amassed 463 runs in his last 10 matches, average 51.44, strike‐rate 87.19. As India’s captain and an emerging batting star, Gill’s form will matter enormously. He must give India a solid start or lead from the front if the top order falters.
Shreyas Iyer
Iyer has collected 443 runs across his last 10 matches, averaging 44.30 with a strike‐rate of 91.52. The vice‐captain offers stability and has the skill to play under pressure. In the second ODI he may be tasked with anchoring an innings if India’s top order is under fire.
Summary Table: Batters to Watch
|
Player |
Team |
Recent Matches |
Runs |
Avg |
Strike-Rate |
|
Travis Head |
Australia |
8 |
305 |
43.57 |
128.69 |
|
Mitchell Marsh |
Australia |
4 |
252 |
84.00 |
90.32 |
|
Shubman Gill |
India |
10 |
463 |
51.44 |
87.19 |
|
Shreyas Iyer |
India |
10 |
443 |
44.30 |
91.52 |
These four batters will carry significant weight in the game. Watch how they start their innings and how the opposition bowlers try to check them.
Bowlers to Watch
Australia
Adam Zampa
Zampa has picked up 12 wickets in his last 9 matches, with an economy of 6.01 and a strike‐rate of 34.33. In conditions that may favour spin or slow bowlers, Zampa’s role will be pivotal. India’s batters will need to handle his variations well.
Ben Dwarshuis
Dwarshuis has taken 10 wickets in his last 5 matches, at an economy of 5.60 and a strike‐rate of 27.0. His form in recent matches shows sharp wicket‐taking ability. If Australia is chasing, Dwarshuis could be used in the middle overs to break partnerships.
India
Axar Patel
Axar has achieved 10 wickets in his last 10 matches, economy 4.44, strike‐rate 47.0. He offers control and can also contribute with the bat. Against a strong Australian batting line‐up, his accuracy and ability to build pressure will matter.
Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep has claimed 10 wickets in his last 8 matches, with an economy of 4.72 and strike rate 44.5. His wicket‐taking skill and left‐arm wrist spin will challenge the Australian batters, who may not be fully comfortable against wrist spin.
Summary Table: Bowlers to Watch
|
Player |
Team |
Recent Matches |
Wickets |
Economy |
Strike-Rate |
|
Adam Zampa |
Australia |
9 |
12 |
6.01 |
34.33 |
|
Ben Dwarshuis |
Australia |
5 |
10 |
5.60 |
27.0 |
|
Axar Patel |
India |
10 |
10 |
4.44 |
47.0 |
|
Kuldeep Yadav |
India |
8 |
10 |
4.72 |
44.5 |
These bowlers will be key in dictating the flow of the match. Watch how the conditions suit them, and how the batters respond.
India vs Australia Head-to-Head Context
Here is how recent matches between India and Australia in ODIs have played out:
- Australia won by 7 wickets (with 29 balls remaining) – 18 Oct 2025
- India won by 4 wickets (with 11 balls remaining) – 04 Mar 2025
- Australia won by 6 wickets (with 42 balls remaining) – 19 Nov 2023
- India won by 6 wickets (with 52 balls remaining) – 08 Oct 2023
- Australia won by 66 runs – 27 Sep 2023
From the last five games, Australia have claimed three victories while India have had two. The contests tend to be fairly close, and the winning margin often comes down to key individual performances and pressure moments.
Match Prediction – Second ODI
India Squad
Shubman Gill (c), Shreyas Iyer (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna
Australia Squad
Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Matthew Short, Marnus Labuschagne, Matt Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Josh Philippe, Ben Dwarshuis, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Ellis, Xavier Bartlett, Matthew Kuhnemann, Adam Zampa
1. Toss and Pitch
If Australia wins the toss, they might choose to bat first to put up a total, especially if the surface offers batting early. India might prefer chasing if they anticipate the bowlers doing more later.
2. Key Performers
- For Australia: Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh will be central to their batting. Ben Dwarshuis and Adam Zampa will be crucial in taking early wickets or breaking partnerships.
- For India: Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer must lay the foundation with the bat. Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav will need to take wickets and restrict scoring.
3. Possible Game Flow
India’s batting will need to be more consistent than the first ODI. If they fail to build a strong start or lose early wickets, Australia’s bowlers are capable of applying pressure. On the flip side, if Australia bat first and put up a big score, India’s bowlers will be tested but have match-winners in Axar and Kuldeep.
4. Predicted Outcome
Given Australia’s momentum and stronger recent head-to-head edge, they are marginal favourites. However, if India bat smartly and their bowlers execute plans, the match could go in their favour.
Final Thoughts
The second ODI between India and Australia promises high drama. With strong batters, effective bowlers, and close recent history, both teams have clear paths to victory. The match will likely turn on key phases, power-play, middle overs, and death bowling. Keep an eye on Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Adam Zampa, Ben Dwarshuis, Axar Pate, and Kuldeep Yadav. Their performance could decide the match.