Kris Srikkanth continues feud with Harshit Rana, ignores him from India XI for 1st ODI despite Gautam Gambhir’s attack

The 1983 World Cup winner Kris Srikkanth has revealed his dream India XI for the first ODI against Australia, which is set to take place on Sunday, October 19, at the Optus Stadium in Perth. The three-match ODI series will mark the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, with Shubman Gill appointed as India’s new ODI captain and Shreyas Iyer as vice-captain.

The former Indian chief selector’s top order features Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer, with KL Rahul taking the wicketkeeper-batter role at number five. Srikkanth has picked three all-rounders in the middle order to provide balance, and they are Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Washington Sundar.

Kris Srikkanth reveals India XI for ODI opener against Australia

The former Indian cricketer’s bowling attack comprised wrist-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav and fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, leaving out Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana.

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Srikkanth has slotted the spin bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar at number eight, following India’s strategy to strengthen batting depth while maintaining bowling options for the three-match ODI series opener between India and Australia in Perth.

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The former Indian chief selector wants to use Nitish Kumar Reddy as a third seamer alongside Siraj and Prasidh. Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel, “If you look at the trend, they are playing with eight batters. The number eight should also be able to bat. If you are thinking of batting till eight, Washington Sundar should be the automatic choice. I will still play Sundar at eight, Kuldeep at nine, and Siraj and Prasidh Krishna at ten and eleven. I will use Nitish as the third seamer and still go with three spinners.”

India will miss Jasprit Bumrah in the ODI series, says Kris Srikkanth

With Jasprit Bumrah rested for the upcoming ODI series, Srikkanth believes that Siraj and Krishna will shoulder the pace-bowling responsibility. He emphasized that dropping Kuldeep for Sundar would be unfair, suggesting a four-pronged attack for the Australian conditions.

He added, “By any chance if it is a juicy wicket, there is Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc; they have a more experienced pace attack. Bumrah is going to be a big miss for us, so we will be dependent on Siraj and Prasidh.

You can't drop Kuldeep. If you say you will drop Kuldeep and play Washington, it will be unfair to Kuldeep. If I were captain, I would play Siraj, Kuldeep, Washington, and Prasidh.”

Read Also: Australia to unleash two debutants against Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma in IND vs AUS 1st ODI

Kris Srikkanth backs Prasidh Krishna over Arshdeep Singh for extra bounce on Australian wickets

Srikkanth also explained that the pitch conditions in Australia are the main reason for preferring Krishna over Arshdeep Singh. Krishna’s ability to generate extra bounce suits the fast, bouncy Australian wickets, making him a key factor in India’s bowling strategy.

He signed off by saying, “Arshdeep has done no wrong, but the problem is with the combination. Why not Prasidh over Arshdeep? This is not T20. This is ODI. Prasidh can get extra bounce in Australian wickets.”

Kris Srikkanth's India XI for the 1st ODI against Australia:

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (C), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (VC), KL Rahul (WK), Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna.