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
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.
