Arnav: “I disagree with @NethraReya’s comment….It is not that MI had always been star studded…rather in fact, the MI setup managed to groom many of their youngsters as stars!!!”
Nitesh Chandra: “India needs to accept that no matter what bowlers it chooses, they may go for runs. Best is to go for a batting heavy approach and score above par every time. My 11 (in batting order) will be: Rohit, KL, Kohli, Hooda, SKY, Pandya, Karthik, Axar, Harshal, Bhuvi/Chahar, Bumrah”
Mahesh: “Is it raining now and why is the toss delay?” — No, it’s not raining. But it seems the ground is damp. Okay, here’s the official word: it’s because of wet outfield.
NethraReya: “Sorry to say, but to judge Rohit’s captaincy based on MI legacy isn’t right. MI always had a star-studded team. Like Ponting had a mighty Aussie side, it’s easy to win titles with a great team. To be honest MSD was a great captain and VK led the team well too. Rohit needs to carry the team forward based on performances and not with his IPL captaincy record. “
6.25pm The toss has been delayed. There is a ground inspection scheduled at 7pm.
Manu Ajmani: “As much as one would question a few decisions made by Rohit Sharma the captain in the last few matches, he might be on to something with the World Cup in sight. Maybe Rohit is not a Dhoni who could make any combination work, but seeing his IPL record, he might be one of the best captains when he has a full-strength team at his disposal. Bumrah’s inclusion will bolster that confidence by ten-fold. All India needs is a wicket taker during middle overs to be a real threat at any surface!”
6.20pm Here’s what Ravi Shastri has to say at the pitch report: “It’s a two-paced surface. There’s some rain around later so that the team that wins the toss will be looking to bowl first.”
Thanks, Alex.
6.15pm Time to hand over to Hemant ahead of the toss. Good evening Hemant.
6.10pm A reminder to our fans in the US. You can watch this second T20I between India and Australia LIVE on ESPN+Mustafa Moudi : “I know its highly improbable, but India’s 3 Pacers must be Bumrah, Arshdeep and Chahar. Bowl out Chahar in the Poweplay and he would most probably destroy the Top Order while Bumrah and Arshdeep can take care of the Death overs !!”
6pm Good evening and welcome to Nagpur for game two of this three-match T20I series between Australia and India. Alex Malcolm and Hemant Brar in commentary tonight. Sid Monga is doing the analysis. Here is Hemant’s preview of the 2nd T20I. Australia are 1-0 up following a stunning chase in Mohali. India’s death bowling is under a microscope. Meanwhile, all eyes are on Cameron Green to see if he can repeat the sensational showing he produced in game one having never opened in professional cricket previously.JOYDEEPSINGHGIL: “Maxwell one six away for 100 t20i sixes and hazlewood 2 wickets away for 50 t20i wickets and Smith 37 runs away for 1000 t20i runs and pandya 45 runs away for 1000 t20i runs”Karteek : “I’m so exited to see Bumrah in action today. One of the most awaited players in this series. “
