Get the latest cricket scoop: India ODI Squad for Australia revealed with KL Rahul taking the captaincy and Ashwin’s return. Discover the team dynamics and strategies.
In a much-anticipated move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has revealed the Indian squad for the upcoming three-match One Day International (ODI) series against Australia, scheduled to take place from September 22 to 27. This announcement has garnered significant attention from cricket enthusiasts worldwide, as it marks the return of veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin to the ODI format, among other notable changes.
Leadership Shake-up
One of the most striking revelations from the squad announcement is the change in leadership. KL Rahul, known for his explosive batting and versatility, will don the captain’s cap for the initial two matches. This decision comes as a surprise, as regular skipper Rohit Sharma will be resting during these fixtures, along with key players Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, and Kuldeep Yadav. The selectors have chosen to provide the rested players with a much-needed break before the series intensifies.
India ODI Squad for Australia for the First Two ODIs
Here is the lineup for the first two ODIs under KL Rahul’s leadership:
- KL Rahul (Captain)
- Shubman Gill
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Shreyas Iyer
- Ishan Kishan
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Shardul Thakur
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
- Mohammed Shami
- Tilak Varma
- Prasidh Krishna
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Washington Sundar
This squad represents a blend of experience and young talent, with several promising players getting an opportunity to showcase their skills on the international stage.
The Lineup for the Third ODI
For the third and final ODI of the series, the regular stalwarts will make their return. The squad for the third ODI includes:
- Rohit Sharma (Captain)
- Shubman Gill
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul
- Ishan Kishan
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Shardul Thakur
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
- Mohammed Shami
- Hardik Pandya
- Virat Kohli
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Axar Patel (subject to fitness)
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Washington Sundar
The inclusion of two off-spinning all-rounders, Ravichandran Ashwin and Washington Sundar, has raised eyebrows, primarily due to the absence of Axar Patel, who is nursing an injury. Selector Ajit Agarkar, however, expressed optimism about Axar’s eventual return, suggesting that the decision to include Ashwin and Washington Sundar is a precautionary measure.
Ashwin’s Return and Rohit’s Confidence
Ravichandran Ashwin’s inclusion in the ODI squad after a hiatus of nearly a year is a significant talking point. Captain Rohit Sharma, in his recent interactions, had hinted at Ashwin’s return, citing his invaluable experience in both Test and ODI formats. Rohit emphasized that Ashwin’s ability and cricketing IQ make him an asset, and his absence from the ODI setup was more about mental readiness than physical fitness.
“Experience matters, and Ashwin has loads of it. Playing on the international stage isn’t just about physical fitness; it’s equally a mental game. We’ve had conversations with Ashwin, and he’s eager to contribute. The upcoming series against Australia will provide us with an opportunity to gauge his form, and I believe he can make a valuable contribution,” Rohit remarked.
Rahul’s Captaincy and Iyer’s Recovery
KL Rahul’s elevation to the captaincy role is a testament to his consistent performances and leadership abilities. His journey to captaincy wasn’t without hurdles, as he had to make a strong comeback after facing injuries and uncertainties. Shreyas Iyer, who was initially set to lead the team, suffered a late injury setback, allowing Rahul to step in.
Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors, expressed confidence in Iyer’s fitness, stating, “Iyer has been diligent in his recovery, and we are optimistic that he will perform at his best during the Australia series. He has cleared his fitness program, and we believe he will shine on the field.”
Conclusion
The announcement of India’s ODI squad for the Australia series has set the stage for an exciting cricketing showdown. With a blend of experienced campaigners and young talents, India aims to make a mark in this crucial series. The return of Ravichandran Ashwin and KL Rahul’s captaincy will be key narratives to watch. Cricket enthusiasts around the world eagerly await the action to unfold as these two cricketing giants clash on the field.