Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya rested for first two matches as India announce squad for ODI series against Australia

India have given rest to senior players for the first two ODIs against Australia.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced India's squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia. Via a press-conference, India selector Ajit Agarkar and captain Rohit Sharma made the announcement. Senior batsman KL Rahul will lead the Indian team in the first two ODIs, as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, and Kuldeep Yadav have been given a rest. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja will be KL Rahul's deputy in the first two matches.

Ravichandran Ashwin is making a return to the ODI squad after a long time absence. Axar Patel, who suffered an injury during the Asia Cup, will not be part of the initial two ODIs. However, if he regains his fitness, he is expected to rejoin the team for the third ODI.

Washington Sundar, who was brought into the Asia Cup Final squad as a last-minute replacement for Axar Patel, has also been included in the squad for the upcoming series.

Shreyas Iyer, who participated in the first two match of the Asia Cup and then had to miss the remainder of the tournament due to a back spasm, has also been named in the squad for the upcoming ODI series.

Captain Rohit Sharma and the experienced players like Kohli, Pandya, and the in-form Kuldeep Yadav will stage their comeback for the third ODI.

Three players who are not part of the World Cup squad, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma and Prasidh Krishna also have been included in the squad for first two ODIs which will be led by KL Rahul.

The ODI series is set to commence on September 22 at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali. The second ODI is set to commence September 24 at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore, and the concluding ODI will be held on September 27 at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot.

India Squad for the first 2 ODIs:

KL Rahul (C, WK), Ravindra Jadeja (Vc), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan (Wk), Shardul Thakur, Washington Sundar, Ravi Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.

India Squad for the third ODI

Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (Wk), 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.