India vs Australia 2019: 3 Changes India Could Make in the 3rd ODI

Team India registered a sensational 8 runs victory in the 2^nd ODI against Australia to take a 2-0 lead in the 5 match series. It was a brilliant final over from Vijay Shankar as he defended 11 runs and bagged the two required wickets to help India clinch a nail-biting thriller. The home team has been winning all ODI series irrespective of the fact whether they are touring or playing in their home conditions. Apart from a 2-1 series defeat in England, the Men in Blue have won series in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

With the World Cup just around the corner, the Indian think tank might be tempted to experiment with a few players in the next match. The home team will get only 3 matches before the World Cup to get their combination right. Vijay Shankar who played a vital role in India’s victory yesterday might have booked a place for the 2019 World Cup. In all likelihood, Hardik Pandya will return to the squad. However, after his impressive performance, it won’t be easy to overlook him for the quadrennial event.

With India looking to chop and change a few players, here are 3 possible changes which India might make in the 3^rd ODI

Yuzvendra Chahal in for Kuldeep Yadav

The wrist spinning duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav has been exceptional for Inia in the last two years. They have played a huge part in helping India win almost all the ODI series in recent times. However, India has not picked Yuzvendra Chahal in the first two matches of the ongoing series. Though they are the two best spinners in the limited overs format, Ravindra Jadeja’s exceptional fielding abilities and batting skills have kept him in the scheme of things for the World Cup.

Kuldeep Yadav has already proven himself in the first couple of matches. Now its time for the management to give a chance to Yuzvendra Chahal in the 3^rd ODI. Kuldeep will be part of the Kolkata Knight Riders squad and will look to continue his exceptional wicket taking prowess in the IPL. Chahal, on the other hand, has been a lethal weapon for India and in all likelihood will be part of the playing XI in the 3^rd ODI in Ranchi.

KL Rahul in place of Shikhar Dhawan

KL Rahul is one of the most talented batsmen of the modern generation. However, he hasn’t been consistent enough in the international circuit which has been the reason why he hasn’t got a long run in the limited overs format. He was very impressive in the T20I series and finished as the leading run scorer for the home team with 97 runs in a couple of matches. He looked in great touch and took the Australian bowlers to the cleaners.

It was expected before the start of the ODI series that Rahul will be part of the playing XI for the first two matches. However, it wasn’t to be as Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma did the opening pair’s job. Rahul could well come in at No 3. But with just 3 matches for India to experiment, Rahul might open the innings with Rohit Sharma in the next ODI in Ranchi.

Rishabh Pant in place of Ambati Rayudu

Pant is surely the next big thing in Indian cricket. His explosive batting style sets him apart from his peers. The left-hander has an exceptional six hitting ability and can turn the match on its head in a single over. However, the young gun hasn’t been consistent and has given away his wickets to rather poor shots in the recent past. He is in the squad and might get a chance in the 3^rd ODI in favour of Ambati Rayudu.

Rayudu has played well in the limited opportunities he has got. However given the exploits of Pant in the shorter formats, Kohli and Ravi Shastri will be tempted to give him another opportunity in the 3^rd ODI. He is still not a certainty in the World Cup squad. But some good performances in the next few matches if given the chance might help Rishabh book a ticket for the World Cup.