The second match of India versus Australia one day international cricket series was held on January 17, Friday at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot. Australia defeated India in the first match of the series and took an early lead; therefore, this match was crucial for the Indian team. Again, Australian captain, Finch won the toss and chose to bowl first. There was no change in the Australian squad while injured Rishabh Pant was replaced by batsman Manish Pandey on the Indian side. Indian openers Rohit and Dhawan started the game with a positive approach and gave an excellent start to the team. Both the openers played well, but unfortunately, Dhawan missed his century by only four runs and got out at 96 to Australian seam bowler Richardson. Captain Kohli also scored 78 runs and balanced the scorecard, but the batting performance by wicket-keeper batsman KL Rahul was incredible. He finished the Indian innings in style and scored fast 80 runs in just 52 balls. With this finishing performance, he also shifted the momentum towards the Indian side, and thus India put a total of 340 runs in 50 over.
The second innings began with quality bowling performances by Bumrah and Shami with the new ball. Mohammed Shami dismissed Australian opener, Warner, early of the innings with an extraordinary caught by Manish Pandey at covers. The Australian team fought back and played excellent cricket. Steven Smith from the Australian side scored the most 98 runs but failed to make a century and bowled by Kuldeep Yadav. The wicket of Steve Smith was the turning point of the match and thus India all out Australia in a total of 304 and won the second match of series by 36 runs and leveled the series by one-one.
KL Rahul was awarded as the man of the match for his brilliant batting performance.