Australia vs India 2018/19, 1st ODI, Sydney – India Predicted XI
Jan 10, 2019 at 4:57 PM
Australia and India will face off in the three-match ODI’s, starting January 12th in Sydney. Coming off a recent Tests win over the hosts; the India National Cricket Team will be upbeat about winning the ODI’s as well. As the T20Is earlier got tied, both the sides will go their 100% to gain momentum, heading into the 2019 World Cup. Meanwhile, here it is India’s predicted XI for the Sydney ODI against Australia.
India’s predicted XI for the Sydney ODI –
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Rohit Sharma
Rohit, who made it to the ESPNcricinfo’s 2018 ODI Team of the Year, will be seeing batting at the top. As he missed the final Test in Sydney because of the birth of his first child, Rohit returned well in time for the Australia ODI’s. The India opener, in the 50-over format, is a force to reckon with; while his recent exploits in ODI cricket would keep him under the spotlight.
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Shikhar Dhawan
The player of the series in the T20Is against Australia, Shikhar Dhawan is all set to return to the India National Cricket Team. Though he got overlooked for the Test series, the left-hander is a reliable batsman in the limited-overs cricket.
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Virat Kohli
With him being at the helm, India can feel safe and secure, at least. The captain Kohli has been Australia’s nemesis across formats; though he didn’t shine much in the recently-concluded Tests. However, his numbers against the hosts, or even in general, are enough to rate him as the toughest nut to crack for an opposition in the Indian team.
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Ambati Rayudu
India is looking to figure out their World Cup XI beforehand; and for that, they have kept the right players for the right slot. Ambati Rayudu, the Hyderabad batsman, is a prime example of it. As Kohli, in the past had mentioned that Rayudu would be India’s number four heading into the 2019 World Cup, going with him looks evident.
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MS Dhoni
How could you miss this name on the teamsheet? The most experienced player in the side, MS Dhoni is likely to seal the fifth number spot. Yes, his form has been a worry, but looking at the way the team management and the captain have backed him; he will be seen playing the SCG ODI. He will take care of wicketkeeping duties as well.
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Kedar Jadhav
One with the ‘golden-arm’ is set to don the Indian jersey once again. After Jadhav sustained an injury during the Asia Cup 2018, he remained on the sidelines. Upon his return to the ODI side, Kedar will look to leave an impact with his bowling and batting.
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Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja has done everything possible to be on the teamsheet. In the recent past, he had performed exceptionally well in both ODI and Test circuit; so overlooking him, that too in SCG, where spin will be on offer, could be a mistake.
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Bhuvneshwar Kumar
In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar will lead the bowling attack in Sydney. The India fast bowler didn’t get a chance in the Tests; however, he will be upbeat about performing well in the white-ball cricket. Having been India’s new-ball bowler, and an improved death bowler too, Bhuvneshwar could work as an asset for Virat.
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Mohammed Shami
Shami has been the best substitute India has at the moment. Though he gets preferred for Tests mostly, Shami was brought keeping in mind the 2019 World Cup. Also, in the past, Shami has had bowling partnerships with Bhuvneshwar; which will keep the Indian fans satisfied as well.
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Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav has been an x-factor ever since. He took a five-wicket haul at the SCG in the last Test, which created enough doubts in the Australian camp ahead of the ODI opener. Also, he had picked wickets in the Australia T20Is as well.
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Khaleel Ahmed
India’s new-found fast bowling love, Khaleel Ahmed will get an extended run in the 50-over cricket. The left-armer has been a regular in the limited-overs for India since his debut in Asia Cup 2018. However, his height and bowling angle are likely to trouble the Aussies.