India’s Predicted Playing XI for the 3rd ODI Against Australia
As India prepares to face Australia in the third ODI in Rajkot, they are eyeing a victory to cap off their preparations for the World Cup 2023 on a high note. The Men in Blue, initially set to field a full-strength squad, have decided to rest a few key players due to their impressive performance in the first two ODIs.
Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya, Shardul Thakur, and Mohammed Shami will be absent from the lineup for this dead rubber. Additionally, Axar Patel is still recovering from a quadriceps injury he sustained during the Asia Cup.
India’s Squad for the 3rd ODI Against Australia:
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- Suryakumar Yadav
- KL Rahul (wk)
- Ishan Kishan (wk)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Washington Sundar
- Kuldeep Yadav
- R Ashwin
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
- Prasidh Krishna
Here’s a look at India’s predicted playing XI for the third ODI against Australia:
Openers: Rohit Sharma (c) and Ishan Kishan
With Shubman Gill rested for the final ODI, India is expected to make significant changes to their opening combination. Rohit Sharma, who will return to captain Team India, will also open the batting. Joining him at the top could be Ishan Kishan, who has been batting in the middle order but is likely to double up as an opening option.
Middle Order: Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Suryakumar Yadav
India will finally have the opportunity to field their first-choice middle order, comprising players from positions 3 to 5. The return of Virat Kohli, who missed the first two matches, is highly anticipated. Kohli, the batting superstar, will be eager to make a significant contribution before heading into the World Cup.
Shreyas Iyer, who delivered a sensational century in the previous game, should have recovered from cramps and will be ready to play in Rajkot. KL Rahul, likely viewed as the primary wicketkeeper, could be back behind the stumps in the third ODI and bat at No. 5. Suryakumar Yadav, who has impressed in the series so far, will complete the middle-order lineup.
All-rounder: Ravindra Jadeja
With the absence of Thakur, Hardik, and Axar, India’s all-round options are limited. Ravindra Jadeja is expected to be the sole all-rounder in the lineup. The left-hander will need to address his batting form in ODIs quickly.
Bowlers: Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah
India has a couple of options for the pace bowling department, including Prasidh Krishna and Mukesh Kumar. However, they are likely to stick with just two frontline fast bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, who will be well-rested for this contest.
Kuldeep Yadav, who didn’t feature in the first two matches, is expected to return, while Ravichandran Ashwin, making a promising ODI comeback, will aim to strengthen his case for a spot in the World Cup squad.
As India aims to fine-tune their lineup and strategy before the World Cup, the predicted playing XI for the third ODI against Australia presents an interesting combination of experience and emerging talent. The team will be eager to conclude the series on a high note and carry the momentum into the upcoming global cricketing event.
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By- Sahiba Suri