IND vs AUS: India's predicted XI for 1st ODI against Australia

After an entertaining four-match Test series between India and Australia, the action is set to be continued in the 50-over format as both teams will be clashing in the first match of the three-match ODI series on Friday, March 17 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The Men in Blue will hope to continue their winning run in the ODI series as well after successfully retaining the Test series 2-1.

However, Indian team captain Rohit Sharma won’t be available for the first match due to personal reasons as reported. Star allrounder Hardik Pandya will be leading the team in his absence. Here we will take a look at India’s predicted XI for the first ODI.

Top Order

Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli (Source - Twitter)

The in-form young opener Shubman Gill has almost confirmed his place in the upcoming 50-over World cup with his brilliant performance. He will hope to continue his domination in the ODI series against Australia as well. India’s left-handed batter Ishan Kishan hit a double century last year in Bangladesh but didn’t get chances after it as skipper Rohit made his comeback in the team. In his absence, Kishan might get a chance to open.

Former Indian captain Virat Kohli already announced his comeback with 2 centuries in 3 ODI matches against Sri Lanka in 2023. However, he didn’t have a great time against New Zealand but his recent century in the fourth Test against Australia will definitely give him a push to score big again.

Middle-order 

Surakumar Yadav and KL Rahul (Source - Twitter)

India’s goto no.4 batter, Shreyas Iyer will miss the series due to injury. Suryakumar Yadav, who must be hungry for runs, might replace him. KL Rahul, who is suffering from his bad form in the longest format, will look to get his form back ahead of the mega event this year.

Allrounders

Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja (Source - Twitter)

India’s star allrounder Hardik Pandya has proved that he can be a great leader as he led the team to win few series recently. However, it didn’t create any impact on his individual performance. On the other hand, another star allrounder Ravindra Jadeja, who was also the player of the series against Australia in the Test series, will hope to continue his dream form.

Bowlers

Umran Malik and Kuldeep Yadav (Source - Twitter)

Chinaman Kuldeep Yadav warmed the bench in the Test series but might be included in the 50-over series. Mohammed Shami was decent in the Test series and the team management will surely need him in the World Cup, so he will also get a place in the team.

Mohammed Siraj is one of the most improved bowlers in recent years as he has performed brilliantly in all formats so he will definitely find a place in the team. On the other hand, Umran Malik will also get a chance as Jasprit Bumrah is still recovering from his back surgery.

India's predicted XI: Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan (WK), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya (C), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umran Malik