Preliminary Overview:
- Ahead of the ODI World Cup, India and Australia are set to kick off a three-match ODI series starting this Friday.
- This series will serve as the final opportunity for both teams to finalize their combinations and test out players who have yet to prove their worth in the current setup.
- The first ODI between the two teams will be played at the Mohali Stadium. The game will start at 1:30 PM, with the toss scheduled for 1:00 PM.
Spotlight on Shreyas and Suryakumar:
- While Ishan Kishan played his role well in the Asia Cup, Team India might require Shreyas Iyer’s expertise, especially in the middle overs against spinners, in the World Cup.
- Suryakumar Yadav, known for his different flair in T20Is, is yet to find his rhythm or perhaps understand his role in ODIs.
- Shreyas Iyer’s match fitness will be under the scanner during this series against Australia. Suffering from a stress fracture and subsequent surgery, he hasn’t played many crickets in the last six months.
- Before the match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, there were concerns about his fitness due to back stiffness.
- Shreyas played only two matches in the Asia Cup – against Pakistan and Nepal.
- The chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, mentioned that Shreyas is ready to play all three matches, but eyes will be on whether his body can endure 100 overs at the crease across the next five days.
- Suryakumar Yadav, on the other hand, will be looking to improve his form in the ODI format.
- Even though he has the backing of head coach Rahul Dravid, who stated that he will handle the middle-order responsibilities in the initial two ODIs, it’s a crucial time for Surya to establish himself in the 50-over format.
Key Players Rested
- Team India has decided to rest skipper Rohit Sharma and former captain Virat Kohli for the first two matches.
- Additionally, mainstay spinner Kuldeep Yadav and all-rounder Hardik Pandya are also given a break. This gives coach Rahul Dravid a chance to evaluate the depth and potential of his bench.
Suryakumar’s One-Day Form Challenge
Credit – Google
Overview: The Indian cricket team is undergoing some significant changes, and this article highlights some of those transformations, especially the performances of key players.
Suryakumar’s Performance Dilemma
- Ishan Kishan played his role excellently in the Asia Cup.
- There might be a need for Shreyas Iyer in the World Cup, especially for his skills against spin bowlers during middle overs.
- Suryakumar has showcased different abilities in T20 international matches, but perhaps he hasn’t grasped his role in one-day matches yet.
- Despite getting 27 one-day matches to prove himself, Suryakumar’s average score of less than 25 doesn’t reflect his potential and talent.
Suryakumar’s World Cup Ambitions:
- Suryakumar might not secure a spot in the playing 11 during the World Cup. However, he wishes the team management understands he was overlooked unjustly.
- Young player Tilak Varma is knocking on the doors for team selection, and further poor performances from 33-year-old Suryakumar could push him out.
Spinners’ Selection Dilemma:
- Due to Axar Patel’s injury, 37-year-old Ravichandran Ashwin has been included in the squad against Australia.
- If Axar doesn’t recover on time, this might be Ashwin’s last and overall third one-day World Cup.
- A few weeks ago, Ashwin wasn’t even on the team management’s radar. Now there’s a selection battle between the veteran spinner and the young Washington Sundar.
Team Combination Insights:
- If talks are to be believed, even if Ashwin doesn’t perform well in upcoming matches, he is ahead of Washington in World Cup considerations.
- The absence of Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya gives both Ashwin and Washington an opportunity to prove their worth to the team.
- The World Cup might coincide with the Asian games, keeping Washington busy. This may pave the way for Ashwin if Axar isn’t fit.
Injury Concerns and Updates:
- If Axar becomes fit, there might not be any changes to the squad.
- Usually, a minor tear takes two weeks to heal. For a spinner, it’s not a severe injury as it might be for a fast bowler.
- India hopes Axar will be fit before the World Cup starts.
Team Combinations:
- India might open with Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill, while Shreyas could bat at number three.
- Rituraj Gaikwad, who has qualified for the Asian games, is included as cover and might join the Indian T20 team traveling to Hangzhou on 28th September.
- The playing 11 could include Suryakumar at number four, followed by captain KL Rahul, with Jadeja, Ashwin, and Washington filling the subsequent slots.
Australia’s Strong Form:
- Australia remains a formidable opponent despite their recent loss to South Africa in a one-day series.
- Captain Pat Cummins is dealing with an injury, and both Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell might miss the first one-day due to injuries.
- Australia has an excellent track record in 50-over matches in the subcontinent.
Upcoming World Cup Matches:
- The upcoming series against India is perfect preparation for Australia for the World Cup.
- Both India and Australia will face each other on October 8th in their first World Cup match.
Probable Playing 11 for Both Teams:
- India: Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (Captain, Wicketkeeper), Tilak Varma/Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj.
- Australia: David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (Wicketkeeper), Marcus Stoinis, Sean Abbott, Pat Cummins (Captain), Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa.
Conclusion:
This ODI series will be crucial for players like Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav as they look to cement their spots in the Indian team ahead of the World Cup. With several key players rested, it’s an opportunity for youngsters to step up and showcase their potential. The decisions made during these matches will play a pivotal role in shaping India’s strategies for the upcoming World Cup.
Also Read – IND vs SL Asia Cup 2023 Final Score: Sri Lanka’s 7 wicket fell at the score of 33, Siraj got the6 success