Another Humdinger Likely As Men In Blue Look To Get Even

Hosts will have to put up a better batting performance in what may be a high-scoring match.

- Shreedutta Chidananda

Losing a close game is never a pleasant feeling — Virat Kohli had a face like thunder after Australia scrambled two off the final ball in Visakhapatnam — but India should not be overly worried by a single T20 defeat.

The home side nearly defended a low total when all seemed lost, and should derive confidence from the manner in which it strangled Australia as the tension rose. The teams served up a thriller on the weekend and more drama is expected when they meet at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium for Wednesday's second T20.

For Australia, this is a chance to notch up a first T20I series win — in so far as these things matter — on Indian soil. India, for its part, has only once lost a T20I series (of more than one match) at home, to South Africa back in 2015. If Kohli's men are to avoid a second series loss, they will need to turn in an improved batting performance.