India vs Australia 2019: Rohit Sharma Likely to be Rested; Ajinkya Rahane, KL Rahul to Make a Return?
Feb 12, 2019 at 11:46 AM
According to the recent developments, it’s expected that Team India will make some big changes ahead of the India vs Australia 2019 limited-overs home series. Thus, a top-order batsman, Rohit Sharma might be rested ahead of the 2019 World Cup. Eventually, it emphasises the return of Ajinkya Rahane. So much so, it could pave the way for out-of-form KL Rahul to grab the opportunity to affirm his credentials.
Rahul’s fate hangs in balance:
Recently, the chief of the selectors MSK Prasad revealed they’ve relied on providing the youngsters to soak in the pressure and excel in the same breathe. He added Rahul is drafted in the India A to make a return in the top-flight cricket.
Recently, the major highlight for India has been historic Test and One-day International (ODI) series victory over hosts Australia. However, it followed with a 4-1 ODI series triumph over New Zealand.
With India heading to face Aaron Finch-led Kangaroos, the national selectors are likely going to rest a couple of senior players while considering the workload.
Owing to the rotation policy, the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) selection committee has already rested seniors in the recent past. Meanwhile, the procedure allows the Board to gauge the level while having the blend of experience and youth in the mix.
The regular skipper Virat Kohli opted for a rest for the last two ODI against New Zealand. Also, he missed out on the three-match T20I series against the Black Caps. Hosts won the T20I 2-1 following a four-run win in Hamilton on February 10.
In his absence, Rohit led Team India on Kiwis shores for the remainder of the series.
Karthik or Pant for the 2019 World Cup?
Apart from the changes, Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik may face the litmus Test ahead of the squad announcement for the ODI showpiece. They have a massive competition to prove their mettle before confirming their selection to serve as the back-up wicket-keeper for MS Dhoni.
Bhuvneshwar, Shami out?
As per the Hindu, the senior bowlers are also expected to be given a partial rest with the quadrennial event scheduled in England and Wales. The mega event will commence from May 30 and run until July 14 in the United Kingdom (UK).
Reports suggested, pace spearhead Bhuvneshwar Kumar and prominent bowler Mohammed Shami could be benched for a couple of games. But Jasprit Bumrah, who has his time-off, will likely be introduced in the squad for the home series.
Also, the spin duo in Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal might be used judiciously. They will also feature in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The limited-overs series will kick off with a first of the two-match Twenty20 International series on February 24 in Vizag.