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Team India have asserted their dominance in the ongoing One-Day International (ODI) series against Australia, leading 2-0. The three-match series commenced with a victory for India in Mohali, where they defeated the Australians by 5 wickets. India continued their winning streak in the rain-marred clash in Indore, outclassing their opponents by 99 runs (via DLS method).
The upcoming third and final ODI, scheduled to be held in Rajkot on Wednesday, September 27, will see the return of key players, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Kuldeep Yadav, and Hardik Pandya, who were absent in the first two matches.
Rohit and Kishan to open in Harbhajan Singh’s playing XI
In anticipation of the highly awaited game, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has revealed his preferred playing XI for Team India. Harbhajan predicted that Rohit and Ishan Kishan would form the opening partnership, with Kohli taking the No. 3 position in the batting order.
“I feel Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan will open, while Virat Kohli will come in at No. 3,” said Harbhajan on his YouTube channel.
For the No. 4 position, Harbhajan firmly backed Shreyas Iyer, who made a remarkable comeback in the 2nd ODI by scoring a brilliant century. He urged fans to support Iyer, emphasizing that players might have a few off games but should be given the encouragement they deserve.
“Shreyas Iyer scored a brilliant hundred [in the last match]. When a player has one or two bad games, the whole world is after him. He is a wonderful player, support him. He is [in] the World Cup [squad] and has just returned from injury. Rather than supporting our own player, we run behind wanting results too soon. I feel he will bat at No. 4,” added Harbhajan.
Also READ: Harbhajan Singh picks his ‘Ace of Spades’ of Team India for the ODI World Cup 2023
‘I feel KL should be rested’: Harbhajan
Bhajji suggested that KL Rahul, who led the team effectively in the first two ODIs and secured victories as captain, should be given a rest for the final match. He said: “KL Rahul has played two matches and played well in both. As captain, he won both games. I feel he should be rested.”
Suryakumar Yadav was placed at the No. 5 position in Harbhajan’s XI, followed by Hardik at No. 6. Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah were Harbhajan’s choices to complete the XI. This selection included three pacers to strengthen the bowling attack.
“Suryakumar Yadav should bat at No. 5 and Hardik Pandya at No. 6. Ravindra Jadeja should bat at No. 7, while Kuldeep Yadav should be No. 8, Mohammed Shami No. 9, then Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah,” the 43-year-old added further.
Harbhajan Singh’s India playing XI for the 3rd ODI:
Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah.
