Veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik has advised India to drop Axar Patel from the playing eleven for the do-or-die third ODI against Australia.
The three-match series between India and Australia is set for a thrilling finish as the last ODI will decide the fate of the series. India began the series well, bowling out Australia for just 188 before going on to register a 5-wicket win.
However, Australia bounced back in style in the second ODI. The visitors thrashed India by 10 wickets to register a series-levelling win. The Steve Smith-led side bowled out India for a paltry total of 117 with Mitchell Starc doing the bulk of the damage.
The left-arm pacer picked up 5 wickets to lead Australia’s charge with the ball. With the bat, Australia chased down the modest total in just 11 overs without losing any wicket. Both Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head came out all guns blazing and scored quickfire fifties to guide Australia home in a commanding fashion.
Dinesh Karthik’s suggestion for Team India:
With India looking to clinch the series by winning the third ODI, Dinesh Karthik has advised them to include Washington Sundar in the team and drop Axar Patel. Axar played in the second ODI where he played an unbeaten knock of 29 but could not pick up any wicket.
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Dinesh Karthik pointed out Sundar’s ability to bowl well in the powerplay and also stated that the third ODI will be played at his home ground in Chennai.
“I’ll be looking at Washington Sundar because he has the potential to bowl to Travis Head. He’s got a good matchup and is somebody who enjoys bowling in the powerplay. It’s his home ground, and he would have played a lot here. So, Washington Sundar in for Axar Patel,” said Karthik.
Speaking further, Dinesh Karthik said that India should focus on picking the team based on the conditions. The 37-year old suggested that the hosts should go to the third ODI with an extra spinner in the team.
“It’s not about looking at the personnel or changing anything in that team. It’s about understanding the conditions and seeing what Chennai brings. You might have that extra spinner, which you already have. I don’t think they are going to make any changes to the playing XI. But they certainly need to do things around how to plan the batting innings,” Karthik said.