The Indian cricket team has been on a winning spree in the ongoing three-match ODI series against Australia, and it seems like they’re planning to stick to the winning formula by continuing with the young guns in the upcoming third and final ODI. This strategy comes after India secured back-to-back victories in the first two fixtures, effectively clinching the series.
In the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul has taken the reins of the team for the first two ODIs. This period has seen the absence of some other heavyweights as well, including Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, and Kuldeep Yadav, who were rested for the initial matches of the series.
According to inside reports, Team India is strongly considering maintaining the young and dynamic composition of the playing XI for the third and final ODI. This means that star players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj are likely to sit out, giving the promising youngsters more opportunities to showcase their skills on the international stage.
For the upcoming match, the opening duties are expected to be entrusted to the explosive Ishan Kishan and the versatile KL Rahul. With Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill not being part of the playing XI, this provides an excellent chance for the young duo to establish themselves at the top of the order.
The crucial number 3 position is anticipated to be occupied by the talented Shreyas Iyer, who has already demonstrated his class in the series. Iyer’s consistent performances have cemented his place in the squad.
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When it comes to the middle order, the team management is eyeing the big-hitting capabilities of Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya. Their aggressive approach to batting can potentially add more firepower to the Indian lineup.
The all-rounders from the World Cup squad are set to be put to the test in this game. The team plans to deploy Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar in the 6th, 7th, and 8th positions in the batting order. This strategic move will help the management assess their form and readiness for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
Completing the playing XI will be the spin wizard Kuldeep Yadav, along with the pacers Mukesh Kumar and Prasidh Krishna. This well-rounded lineup aims to maintain the winning momentum and give valuable match practice to the players ahead of the much-anticipated World Cup.
As Team India prepares to take on Australia in the third ODI, it is evident that the focus is not only on winning the series but also on building a strong and dynamic squad for future challenges. The willingness to provide opportunities to the young and emerging talents showcases the team’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of cricketing stars.