India vs Australia ODI series 2023: 5 players to watch out for

India vs Australia ODI series will kick-off on 22nd September at PCA stadium in Mohali.

India and Australia will be commencing their ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 campaign at Chepauk Stadium in Chennai on 8th October. But before the World Cup game, they will take on each other in a three-match ODI series. The three-match bilateral series will be an opportunity for both teams to get their players in rhythm for a one-and-a-half month-long mega event.

The first ODI will be played at PCA Stadium in Mohali and then both teams will travel to Indore and play 2nd ODI on 24th September.  The final game of the series will be held at Saurashtra Cricket Association in Rajkot on 27th September. Some players will be looking to get their best in one of the toughest battles in ODI cricket.

India have decided to rest 4 of their players for the series for the first two ODIs. captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, and Kuldeep Yadav will be missing the first two games and will make a comeback in the final ODI. This will allow bench strength to show their worth in the playing XI.

Australia have struggled with multiple injury scares during their tour of South Africa. Captain Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, and Glenn Maxwell missed out on action. Against India, all these names are set to make their comeback in the field. Australia are yet to decide on their final 15-members they will take along in their World Cup campaign. The India series will give them the final opportunity to sort out their squad for the Cricket’s most prestigious battle. On that note, let's take a look at five players to watch out for in the upcoming series.

Top 5 players to watch out for in India vs Australia ODI series 2023:

1. Shubman Gill:

Shubman Gill has been in astonishing form this year in ODIs. Gill has played 18 games in 2023 and has scored 1052 runs. Gill has played several memorable knocks for India this year, including the last he played against Bangladesh in Colombo. Gill will look to continue his good form and carry on his run-fest heading into the big ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Gill will be opening the batting along with captain Rohit Sharma in the mega event. 

2. David Warner:

Australian team management will be looking to try out David Warner in the middle-order in the next three games against India as they want to be aggressive in the middle overs. Warner had a great couple of games against South Africa in the recently concluded five-match series. Warner smashed a century and a half-century in the series. He has great stats playing ODIs in India. Warner has scored 2 centuries in 9 games in India.

3. Cameron Green:

All-rounder Cameron Green is one rising star everyone expects to do great in international cricket. Green has become a crucial member of the Australian playing XI since he made his debut. He also had a wonderful Indian Premier League season with Mumbai Indians. In the upcoming 3-match ODI series against India, Green will be taking up the responsibility as a finisher in the team. 

4. Ravichandran Ashwin:

Ravichandran Ashwin will be making his comeback once again in the Indian ODI side. Ashwin has been drafted in for the three-match ODI series against Australia. After a very long time in the ODI format. Team India is looking at Ashwin as Axar Patel’s replacement in the World Cup 2023. Axar is still unfit and his participation in the final ODI against Australia is still in doubt, and if he fails to do that Axar’s place in the World Cup will be doubtful.

5. Jasprit Bumrah:

Jasprit Bumrah had a quiet Asia Cup 2023 as per his standards. He picked up 4 wickets in 3 innings he bowled in the tournament. Bumrah will be looking to seize the opportunity against Australia to get back his rhythm for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Team Management didn’t give rest to anyone in the bowling attack as they wanted them to be fully prepared for the mega event.