India, on Tuesday, levelled the three-match ODI series with a six-wicket win in Adelaide; and now they will take on Australia in the final ODI in Melbourne on Friday (January 18th). As the T20Is got tied and India won the Tests 2-1; both the teams would want to finish the series on high, by winning the decider at the ‘G’. Meanwhile, for the third ODI, here is team India’s predicted XI –
- Rohit Sharma
The right-handed batsman is likely to open the innings for the India National Cricket Team. Rohit has had a decent start to the series; scoring a hundred in Sydney first and then hitting a 43 at the Adelaide Oval. Also, his conduct on the field has been impressive thus far.
- Shikhar Dhawan
Dhawan is not among the runs in the ODI’s so far, but he’s just one inning away from glory. The player of the series in the T20I’s would be upbeat to contribute to the team’s total. His scores of zero and 32 in two games haven’t been up to the mark, but he can improve it in the Melbourne ODI.
- Virat Kohli
The India National Cricket Team captain scored a brilliant 104 in Adelaide, helping India win the game by six wickets. Though he got out on three in Sydney, Virat came back strongly in the following game and settled the scores. At the ‘G’, he would like to produce a similar or even a better show from the bat, to help India win the game and thus claim the ODI series.
- Ambati Rayudu
India’s number four has looked vulnerable in Australia so far. Agreeing, he didn’t have the match practice leading to the Australia ODI’s; Rayudu needs to find ways to get going with the bat. Though the captain and the management had backed the Hyderabad batsman, he returning to form will only boost India’s chances in the final ODI in Melbourne.
- MS Dhoni
The former India captain silenced his critics with an unbeaten 55 in the second ODI at the Adelaide Oval; giving finishing touches to India’s record win. In two ODI’s so far, MS Dhoni has the fifties to his name, terming himself as one of the most vital components in the team. His contribution behind the wicket and with the bat will be crucial in the last ODI of the series.
- Dinesh Karthik
The wicketkeeper-batsman had spread his intentions on his bat during his knock in Adelaide. Primarily, playing a role of a finisher in the team, DK justified his position; helping build a partnership with MS Dhoni, and taking India past the winning line. At the ‘G’, the India National Cricket Team will want the same from him.
- Ravindra Jadeja
The India all-rounder has put the least impact in two games for the team. Though he affected a brilliant run-out in the previous match, Jadeja is yet to take more wickets than what is expected out of him. Since he has an experience of playing in Melbourne, Virat could give him an extended run in the final ODI.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
The new-ball bowler, and the highest wicket-taker for India in Australia ODI’s so far; Bhuvneshwar Kumar will start in the playing XI. He got Australia captain, Aaron Finch on two occasions. And he will like to repeat his heroics in Melbourne too.
- Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep is yet to turn things around off his own. Though he was among the wickets in the T20Is, the unorthodox spinner has just taken two scalps in as many games so far. Putting his trust behind the youngster, Virat will be more than keen to keep him on the side for the decider.
- Mohammed Shami
In Bumrah’s absence, Shami has done the filler’s job pretty well. Yes, he didn’t take too many wickets, the Bengal pacer hasn’t leaked runs either. Very good with his yorkers, Shami will be an asset for Kohli in Melbourne. Knowing the boundaries are too long at the venue, Mohammed Shami’s slower bouncers could well work as well.
- Khaleel Ahmed
Mohammed Siraj did debut in Adelaide but got thrashed. What’s worst, he didn’t even pick up a wicket. Khaleel Ahmed, who played the first ODI could return to the XI; giving the India skipper more variations under his belt. Though he is inexperienced in the international cricket, Khaleel could also be a game-changer for the India National Cricket Team with his changes.