5 Indian Players Who Could Return During Australia ODIs

Though there is not much of a scope for a few India players to enter the ODI setup ahead of the 2019 World Cup; there would be some who would be vouching for their return. As Australia is set to tour India for five ODIs and two T20Is in February-March, some old faces returning to the fore could be the case. Meanwhile, we at Cricket Addictor figure out five Indian players who could return during Australia ODIs.

5 Indian players who could return during Australia ODIs

• Shreyas Iyer

The Mumbai batsman had hogged the limelight during Sri Lanka ODIs in 2017; hitting two fifties in his first three games. Later, Shreyas Iyer got his chance in South Africa ODIs too, scoring 48 runs off two matches. In his brief career, the 24-year old has played six games and has collected 210 runs at an average of 42. Though the middle-order looks settle, there is no harm in testing the bench strength; keeping in mind the backups for each of the positions for the 2019 World Cup.

• Rishabh Pant

The most-talked-about batsman at the moment, Rishabh Pant could well return to the ODI setup for Australia ODIs. Knowing MS Dhoni is in the twilight stage of his career, to prepare an immediate backup is necessary for India. Also, with the credentials Pant is holding, he could be a handy customer in the middle-order for the hosts. Not only this, many have vouched for his selection in the India National Cricket Team for the 2019 World Cup as well.

• Umesh Yadav

India always needs good fast bowlers heading in a major tournament. With Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah and now Mohammed Shami almost sealing their spot for the mega event; Umesh Yadav‘s inclusion will only bolster the attack. Even during the semifinals of the Ranji Trophy 2018-19, the fast bowler took 12 wickets for 79 runs, helping Vidarbha win the game by an innings and 11 runs.

• Kl Rahul

Yes, KL Rahul! He is out of form for a while. Now, since the Indian team will want a third opener ready for the 2019 World Cup; asking the Karnataka batsman to have some match practice during Australia ODIs will benefit both the player and the side. Also, currently, the right-handed batsman is playing for India A against England Lions. In the previous three games for India A, KL has hit 55 runs.

• Jasprit Bumrah

The number one ranked fast bowler in One-Day cricket, Bumrah could well return to the squad for Australia ODIs. Though he had been rested for Australia ODIs and the New Zealand series, Bumrah will be keen on returning to take on the touring Aussies. The Aussies have struggled to hit him, and the pacer would cherish battling them heading into the 2019 World Cup. Even during the Border-Gavaskar trophy in Australia, Bumrah took 21 wickets.