The four-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia ended with a 2-1 series victory for the side and now, the two heavyweights will clash in three ODIs, set to start on March 17.
The first ODI will be played in Mumbai with Team India's regular captain Rohit Sharma set to sit out the first match for family reasons. In his absence, Hardik Pandya will captain the side for the first time in 50-over cricket. But before that, he will also have to choose a strong playing XI for the match against Australia.
With the absence of Shreyas Iyer also hitting the team ahead of the first ODI, we take a look at the probable playing XI for Team India ahead of the marquee clash.
Openers
Shubman Gill's exceptional form is sure to keep him in the side, especially in the absence of Rohit Sharma. He is expected to be partnered with wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan, who scored a double century during the ODI series against Bangladesh, in case the team management chooses Kishan instead of KL Rahul.
Middle-order
India's star batter Virat Kohli is sure to continue his ever-present role at number three. Suryakumar Yadav is the most likely replacement for the injured Iyer, with KL Rahul coming in at number four. Captain Hardik is expected to come in and bat at number six.
All-rounders
Ravindra Jadeja will return to white-ball cricket after the injury he sustained during the Asia Cup which kept him out of the tournament for a long time. He is expected to bat at number seven and is considered a brilliant finisher, but no one can discount Axar Patel's batting prowess as was displayed during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, while Kuldeep Yadav will come in at number nine.
Pace attack
In Jasprit Bumrah's absence, the responsibility of India's fast bowling has been shouldered by Mohammed Shami. Shami will lead the fast bowling attack alongside Mohammad Siraj, with Hardik Pandya also expected to lend a hand with his pace bowling.
Team India's Predicted Playing XI for the first ODI:
Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Akshar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj
India's squad for ODI series against Australia
Rohit Sharma (C), S Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya (VC), R Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, W Sundar, Y Chahal, Mohd Shami, Mohd Siraj, Umran Malik, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Jaydev Unadkat.
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