Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Hardik Pandya will return to the team after sitting out the first two ODIs against Australia. Having already secured the series, India will take on Australia in the third ODI in Rajkot on September 27.
Despite the absence of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Hardik Pandya, India put on a commanding performance with both the bat and ball. However, these star players are set to make their return for the final ODI.
With the World Cup just around the corner, Kohli, Rohit, and Pandya need to get some game time. India’s skipper, Rohit Sharma, will step into the opening role, replacing Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is set to join the team in China for the Asian Games.
Virat Kohli is expected to replace Ishan Kishan, and Hardik Pandya will likely take the spot of either Prasidh Krishna or R. Ashwin. In the second ODI, India secured a resounding 99-run victory over Australia using the Duckworth-Lewis Method.
Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill notched brilliant centuries, while the spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and R. Ashwin claimed three wickets each. The upcoming match in Rajkot is also expected to feature a batsman-friendly pitch, mirroring the conditions seen in Mohali and Indore.
Virat Kohli arrived in Rajkot before the 3rd ODI against Australia
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India’s batting prowess has been on full display, with strong performances from players like Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, and Ishan Kishan. Shreyas Iyer’s consistent form provides a significant solution to India’s number 4 batting position.
With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli returning to the top of the order, Shreyas Iyer is slated to occupy the number four spot. However, head coach Rahul Dravid faces a conundrum, as Suryakumar Yadav has been in exceptional form, scoring two centuries at a rapid strike rate.
Surya’s form ahead of the World Cup is a considerable asset for India, and Dravid will need to make strategic decisions on how to integrate him into the lineup alongside Rohit and Virat.
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