The 2-0 T20I series loss against Australia was said to be Virat Kohli’s first series loss at home (across formats) as captain. However, the skipper is not too bothered with this loss as the focus is on the World Cup.
The 2-0 T20I series loss against Australia was said to be Virat Kohli’s first series loss at home (across formats) as captain. However, the skipper is not too bothered with this loss as the focus is on the World Cup.
India have tried and tested their opening combinations. Despite Virat Kohli stating that KL Rahul will be given some game time, Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan are expected to start the series.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been given a break while Hardik Pandya is absent from the squad due to a back injury.
The predicted 11 for the Indian squad:
1. Rohit Sharma
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Rohit Sharma was rested for the final T20I and should be back facing the new ball. The right-hander has scored 354 runs in 8 innings at an average of 44.25 this year (2019).
He was good in Australia and New Zealand and should be one of India’s biggest match-winner at the top of the order.
(Image: PTI)
2. Shikhar Dhawan
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Shikhar Dhawan was not in the best of forms in New Zealand and even struggled in Bengaluru in the second T20I.
With KL Rahul back in form and looking good, it could prove costly for him. The left-hander has just two fifties to his name as he has made 243 runs in 8 innings this year (2019).
However, his record in ICC tournaments should hold him in good stead.
(Image: AFP)
3. Virat Kohli
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Virat Kohli had opted out of the last couple of ODIs in New Zealand but is be back to lead the squad.
The skipper showed his class in Bengaluru in the T20I series and will now walk into his preferred format to make sure his side gets a win. Kohli has scored at least 40 in all other 50-over games, including a fantastic ton in Adelaide.
Kohli would be very keen to hit the ground running before the World Cup.
(Image: PTI)
4. Ambati Rayudu
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Ambati Rayudu had a very good series in New Zealand where he emerged as India’s saviour in the last ODI.
The right-hander will most likely continue to be India’s No. 4 batsman.
(Image: AFP)
5. Rishabh Pant / KL Rahul
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Indian skipper Virat Kohli had said that he wants to give players like KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant more playing time in order to set the squad for the World Cup.
Rishabh Pant might get an opportunity to add to his three ODI caps. The 21-year-old failed to deliver in the T20I series but is expected to be given some chances as he was preferred ahead of Dinesh Karthik.
As for KL Rahul, the batsman had scored well in the 2 T20Is. India could give him another go in the middle order in order to test him. If his form continues, he could make him the 3rd opener in the World Cup squad.
(Image: File Photos)
6. MS Dhoni
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MS Dhoni had a fabulous start to 2019 as he struck three back-to-back fifties in Australia and was the player of the series as well.
The selectors would want to give the seasoned campaigner as much game time as possible.
With the IPL coming up, Dhoni will get plenty of opportunities to find his mojo back, but when it comes to ODI cricket, this could be his final series.
(Image: PTI)
7. Vijay Shankar
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Hardik Pandya’s suspension earlier and now his injury has given Vijay Shankar an opportunity.
He is likely to play as an all-rounder unless India opt for three spin-attack and add Ravindra Jadeja into the squad.
Shankar will be eyeing to impress the selectors to nail his spot in the World Cup.
(Image: AFP)
8. Mohammed Shami
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Mohammed Shami has been India’s best bowler. Shami will be under pressure to keep the performances rolling in.
He took 14 wickets at an average of 20.64 and was also the Man of the Series in the ODI series in New Zealand.
His form was a big plus for India, and Kohli would hope, he continues taking wickets in the series.
(Image: AFP)
9. Yuzvendra Chahal
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Along with Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal has been India’s attacking weapon in the middle overs over the last 15 months.
He has been in good form and will look to continue his performance ahead of the World Cup.
(Image: PTI)
10. Kuldeep Yadav
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Kuldeep Yadav was rested for the T20I series and should be fresh to go in the ODI series. He troubled Australia in their home ground earlier this year and along with Chahal helped India dominate in the bowling unit.
The duo called ‘KulCha’ have performed extremely well and will look to pose a great threat to the opposition batsmen.
(Image: AFP)
11. Jasprit Bumrah
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Jasprit Bumrah gave glimpses of his ability in the 2 T20Is and will be a big threat even in the ODIs.
With Bhuvneshwar Kumar given rest, the onus will be on Bumrah to get the early wickets and then control the death overs.
(Image: PTI)
