India and Australia are set to clash in a three-match ODI series following the conclusion of the four-match Test series. The ODI series will be a crucial opportunity for both teams to test their skills and tactics ahead of the ODI World Cup which is scheduled to take place later this year.
India will be without their regular ODI captain Rohit Sharma for the first match of the series, as he is nursing an injury sustained during the Test series. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer is set to miss all three games due to a lower back injury. With these injuries, the question on everyone’s mind is what will be India’s strongest XI?
Without Rohit Sharma, it is highly likely that young Ishan Kishan will get his opportunity to open alongside in-form Shubman Gill. Virat Kohli, undoubtedly one of the best ODI batsmen in the world, will bat at number 3. In the absence of Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul is likely to bat at number 4 and will be followed by Suryakumar Yadav. Then it will be the turn of the three all-rounders – Hardik Pandya (C), Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar. Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami are expected to be the two pacers in all probability. However, there would be a toss-up between Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav for the spot of the specialist spinner. It is likely that Kuldeep edges Chahal in the XI.
India’s probable XI for the first ODI against Australia is Ishan Kishan (WK), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (C), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav.
India’s squad for the ODI series against Australia includes Rohit Sharma (c), Yuzvendra Chahal, Ishan Kishan, Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammad Shami, Mohammad Siraj, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Shardul Thakur, Umran Malik, Jaydev Unadkat, Washington Sundar, and Suryakumar Yadav.
Australia, on the other hand, has named a strong squad for the ODI series, with Steve Smith leading the side. The squad includes Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, and Adam Zampa.
Australia’s squad is well-balanced with both experienced players and young talent. The team has a formidable batting lineup, with the likes of Steve Smith, David Warner, and Glenn Maxwell, who can turn the match on its head. In addition, the Australian bowling attack is one of the best in the world, with pacers like Mitchell Starc, Jhye Richardson, and Marcus Stoinis, who can create problems for any batting lineup.
Both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, and it will be interesting to see how they perform in the upcoming ODI series. For India, the absence of Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer will be a challenge, but the team still has some of the best batsmen and bowlers in the world, who can turn the tide in their favor. On the other hand, Australia will be looking to continue their dominance in the limited-overs format, and will be a tough team to beat.