After successfully retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023, Team India will now host Australia in a three-match ODI series, to be played from March 17 to 22. Given that there is a 50-over World Cup later this year, the series is critical for both teams. The three matches will provide an opportunity for India to put themselves to the test against a strong opponent, while also providing Australia with much-needed practise in Indian conditions.
In the absence of Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya will lead the Men in Blue in the first ODI. The Hitman will return for the series’ final two games. The selection committee made a few changes to the ODI squad, and the Men in Blue now have a strong squad at their disposal.
Here’s a look at the complete changes in India’s ODI squad for the three-match ODI series against the Steve Smith-led side.
Players who are in
Ravindra Jadeja, who made his international debut in the recently concluded Test series, has returned to the ODI squad as well. Along with other bowlers, he will be in charge of the spin department. In all formats, Jadeja is India’s first-choice all-rounder.
KL Rahul, who missed the series against New Zealand due to his wedding, is also back in the ODI squad. After the first two Tests against Australia, Rahul was sacked as vice-captain and dropped from the playing XI.
Jauydev Uandkat, who sat out the Test series, made his ODI debut after a 10-year absence. Axar Patel, who missed the New Zealand series due to his wedding, has been recalled to the ODI squad. Shreyas Iyer made his ODI debut but was ruled out of the remaining three games due to a back injury. The captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is also expected to miss the start of the IPL 2023.
Players who are unavailable
KS Bharat and Rajat Patidar were both part of the ODI squad against New Zealand but were dropped. Bharat was set to be dropped after Rahul’s return. Rajat made way for Iyer, who has now exited the series. If the selectors call up a replacement, Rajat is a strong contender for a recall.
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