India's likely 15-man squad for first three ODIs against Australia
Rohit, Dhawan and Dhoni could be on rest for the first three ODIs against Australia. Image Courtesy: Getty

The BCCI selectors will meet in Mumbai on Friday (February 15th) to announce the squad for the Australia T20Is, and ODIs, which will begin on February 24th in Vizag. The focus of the selection committee will be to balance the workload of the players. India had recently returned from the Tour Down Under and will have the IPL 2019 after the conclusion of the Australia series. More importantly, the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales will begin on May 30th; thus giving less time for the players to get prepared for the showpiece event. Meanwhile, Cricket Addictor pens down India’s likely 15-man squad for first three ODIs against Australia.

India’s likely 15-man squad for first three ODIs against Australia

As per reports, a few of the star Indian players could get rest, mainly Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan. Though they could miss out on a few games, the BCCI selectors could recall them for the final two matches. Even if it happens, India is blessed to have a pool of some fine openers to pick from which would not be difficult for the selectors. Ajinkya Rahane and KL Rahul look the likeliest of them all to get picked. Since India is in dire need of a third opener for the 2019 World Cup, selecting either of them serves well as an answer.

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India's likely 15-man squad for first three ODIs against Australia
Rahane and Rahul are in line to return for the ODI series against Australia. Image Courtesy: Getty

The India National Cricket Team captain, Virat Kohli will return to the side after being rested for the last two NZ ODIs and the T20Is which followed. Apart from him, the BCCI selectors could go for both Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik along with the backup all-rounder, Vijay Shankar. Further, the regulars who could feature in the 15-man squad are Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya and also Ambati Rayudu. With that being said, veteran wicketkeeper-batsman, MS Dhoni could even get some rest.

Ravindra Jadeja or Krunal Pandya?

Off the spin-bowling all-rounders, Krunal Pandya could get a chance in the ODIs over Ravindra Jadeja. Since Krunal played his part in the T20Is, though not convincing in all the games; he had his share of a good show with both bat and ball.

In the bowling department, Bhuvneshwar Kumar could also be asked to take rest; while, in his absence, premier pace bowler, Jasprit Bumrah is all set to return. The other pacers who could join him would Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Shami and even Sidharth Kaul. Coming to the spinners, the pair of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal will retain their place.

Here is India’s likely 15-man squad for first three ODIs against Australia –

KL Rahul, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli (c), Ambati Rayudu, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dinesh Karthik, Vijay Shankar, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Khaleel Ahmed, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Sidharth Kaul. 

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