• India will face Australia in a three-game ODI series starting from Friday (September 22).

  • KL Rahul will lead the Indian side.

IND vs AUS 2023: India’s best playing XI for the first 2 ODIs against Australia
KL Rahul and Shubman Gill (Image Source: Twitter)

Following their triumph in the Asia Cup 2023, Team India is set to embark on a significant journey with a three-match ODI series against Australia commencing this Friday, September 22. The team, led by KL Rahul, is riding high on confidence, having secured victory in the Continental Cup.

The series will commence on Friday, September 22, at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali. Subsequently, the second game will take place at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on September 24, followed by the third ODI at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on September 27.

Team India will be eager to maintain the impressive momentum they have built over the past month. Their sights are firmly set on securing another series win, this time against Australia. A triumph in this series would provide them with valuable confidence and preparation just before the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 , which is scheduled to commence in a couple of weeks.

Also READ: Luke Wright shares insights on the omission of Jason Roy from England’s ODI World Cup squad 2023

India’s best XI

Dynamic opening pair: Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill (Opener):

Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill (Image Source: Twitter)

Gill is an elegant right-handed opener with a remarkable ability to find gaps and play stylish strokes. His confidence in both pace and spin bowling is a valuable asset in subcontinent conditions. Gill’s capacity to build big innings and provide solid starts is crucial for India’s success.

Ruturaj Gaikwad (Opener):

Gaikwad is a highly promising young opener known for his solid technique and adaptability. His ability to anchor the innings and build partnerships makes him well-suited for Indian conditions. Ruturaj’s sound defensive technique allows him to negotiate the early swing and seam movement effectively, laying a strong foundation at the top.

Middle order excellence: Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, and Suryakumar Yadav

Shreyas Iyer (Batter):

Iyer is a technically sound batter known for his ability to rotate strike and anchor the middle order. His composure under pressure and aptitude to build partnerships make him an essential asset in the Indian lineup. Iyer’s proficiency in tackling spin bowling is particularly valuable in Indian conditions.

KL Rahul (Captain/Wicketkeeper):

KL Rahul
KL Rahul (Image Source: Twitter)

Rahul, the captain of the team and the wicketkeeper, brings leadership and composure to the side. His ability to handle various roles in the batting order and keep wickets effectively adds balance to the team. Rahul’s leadership qualities and tactical acumen make him a crucial figure in the squad.

Ishan Kishan (Batter):

Kishan is a dynamic middle-order batter known for his aggressive approach. His fearless style of play and ability to accelerate the scoring rate make him a game-changer. Kishan’s adaptability and temperament under pressure add depth to India’s middle order.

Suryakumar Yadav (Batter):

Yadav is a controlled aggressor in the middle order. His ability to find gaps and rotate strike while maintaining a healthy strike rate is an asset. Yadav’s capability to take on the bowlers and accelerate when needed makes him a valuable addition to the lineup.

Versatile all-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur

Ravindra Jadeja (All-rounder):

Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja (Image Source: Twitter)

Jadeja is a seasoned all-rounder who brings a plethora of skills to the team. His left-arm spin bowling is renowned for its accuracy and ability to break partnerships. Jadeja’s aggressive batting and brilliant fielding make him a multi-dimensional player capable of turning the game in India’s favor.

Shardul Thakur (All-rounder):

Thakur is a versatile all-rounder known for his aggressive batting down the order. His powerful hitting and ability to clear the boundaries add depth to India’s batting. As a bowler, Thakur has the knack for taking crucial wickets, especially in pressure situations, making him a valuable asset.

Potent bowling attack: Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah

Ravichandran Ashwin (Spinner):

Ashwin is a spin maestro with a vast understanding of subcontinent conditions. His variations and control over line and length make him a potent force. Ashwin’s ability to create pressure and provide breakthroughs in the middle overs is crucial for India.

Mohammed Siraj (Fast Bowler):

Mohammed Siraj
Mohammed Siraj (Image Source: Twitter)

Siraj is a rising fast bowler known for generating seam movement and bounce. His consistent line and length make him a genuine threat in the opening overs. Siraj’s ability to break partnerships and apply pressure adds to India’s pace arsenal.

Jasprit Bumrah (Fast Bowler):

Bumrah, India’s premier fast bowler, is renowned for his exceptional variations, deadly yorkers, and calm demeanor under pressure. He is a wicket-taker who can deliver crucial breakthroughs in any situation. Bumrah’s ability to bowl at the death makes him a match-winner.

This well-balanced Indian lineup combines solid techniques, adaptability, and firepower, making them formidable contenders in the challenging conditions of the subcontinent.

Also READ: ‘Yuck! pathetic promo’: Netizens criticize ODI World Cup 2023 promo ft. Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja and Shehnaaz Gill

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