India squad for Australia ODIs - 5 talking points from the big announcement

India announced two different squads for three-match ODI series against Australia.

After an impressive triumph over Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final yesterday, India announced their squad for the final ODI series leading up to the World Cup. The 3-match ODI series against Australia is scheduled to kick off on September 22nd.

The Chief Selector of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Ajit Agarkar, has announced two distinct teams for the ODI series against Australia. In the first two ODIs, notable players such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav have been given a rest. However, India will field a full-strength squad for the third and final ODI. KL Rahul will take charge to lead the Indian team in the absence of Rohit Sharma for the first two matches.

Ravichandran Ashwin is marking his comeback to the ODI squad after a considerable hiatus. As for Axar Patel, who faced an injury setback during the Asia Cup, he won't feature in the initial two ODIs.

Washington Sundar, who was a late addition to the Asia Cup squad as a replacement for Axar Patel, has also secured a spot in the team for the upcoming series.

Shreyas Iyer, who was only able to participate in the first two match of the Asia Cup and then missed rest of the matches due to a back issue, has also secured a place in the squad for the upcoming ODI series.

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.

Now, let's delve into the five talking points from this squad announcement.

5 talking points from the big announcement:

1. Four players rested for first two matches

Captain Rohit Sharma, along with Hardik Pandya, Virat Kohli, and Kuldeep Yadav, have been given a break for the first two ODIs. They are scheduled to make their comeback in the squad for the third ODI. In Rohit's absence, KL Rahul will take on the leadership role and lead the team during the initial two ODIs.

2. Should Jasprit Bumrah have been rested ?

Jasprit Bumrah, who made a recent comeback to cricket following a lengthy injury break, has secured a place in the ODI series squad against Australia. There may be concerns raised about whether he should have been given rest during the first two ODIs, given his injury history and recent absence from significant tournaments, including the 2022 T20 World Cup. However, his inclusion can also be seen as a positive development for India, as it will strengthen the bowling attack and offer him valuable match practice in preparation for the upcoming World Cup.

3. Last chance for Shreyas Iyer to impress ?

Shreyas, who featured in two matches and batted only in one among those during the Asia Cup had to miss the rest of the tournament due to back spasms, has secured a spot in the final ODI series squad just before the World Cup. This opportunity could potentially be Shreyas' last chance to make a significant impression. Considering the fitness of Shreyas and form of other players like Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul in the middle order, it might be challenging for Shreyas to secure a spot in the playing XI for the upcoming World Cup.

4. KL Rahul returns as captain, Ravindra Jadeja named Vice-captain

Given that the captain, Rohit, and vice-captain, Hardik, have been given a break for the first two ODIs in the upcoming series, KL Rahul has been chosen as the captain, and Ravindra Jadeja as the vice-captain for those initial two matches. Notably, KL Rahul last captained India in an ODI in December 2022 against Bangladesh and this is the first time Ravindra Jadeja has been appointed as vice-captain of the Indian cricket team.

5. Two off-spinners (Ravi Ashwin & Washington Sundar) included

The upcoming series features the inclusion of two off-spinners, Ravi Ashwin and Washington Sundar. Ashwin is making a comeback to ODI cricket after a substantial absence, while Sundar, who replaced Axar Patel in the final of the Asia Cup, is also part of the squad for the upcoming series. It's worth noting that neither Ashwin nor Sundar are part of the 15-man squad for the World Cup. This presents a golden opportunity for them to make a lasting impact on the selectors, particularly if Axar's participation hinges on his fitness.