The 2023 ODI World Cup may be a long way off, and 2022 is more like the T20 World Cup year, but the three-match ODI series does provide both sides with the opportunity to start their preparation journey, try new combinations, and give newbies more opportunities and support veteran.
India has picked up quite a few starters for the ODI series in their 19-man squad, an uncapped ODI player, some fringe players and some senior cricketers, which has given quite a few headaches.
However, the focus will still be on one man – Virat Kohli – who may have given all the reasons over the past few months. From leaving the White Team to exposing the communication gap between players and BCCI managers before resigning as Test captain, Kohli has always been cynical about world cricket, let alone Indian cricket. Now, with Kohli making his first international appearance since December 2014, all eyes will be on the former India captain who will be eager to get his bat talking. Regarding selection headaches, stance – captain KL Rahul has greatly reduced the task by revealing not only that he will open for India in place of Rohit Sharma, but also backing veteran batsman Shikhar Dhawan, all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer as sixth bowling option and two Spinners in the selection lineup – Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal.
Here is India’s predicted XI line-up:
KL Rahul: Since February 2020, Rahul has become India’s middle batsman in all his 9 matches, scoring an incredible 474 over two centuries and three and a half centuries. 67.71 points. With Rohit out of the series due to a hamstring injury, Rahul will return to his old position. He scored 808 runs with a 50.50 in the ODI, three centuries and five fifties.
Shikhar Dhawan: The veteran India opener has been out of limited competition since his trip to Sri Lanka last July. He did not qualify for the 2021 T20 World Cup or the home T20I series against New Zealand, and his performances have declined in domestic cricket. But Davan has had a chance to prove his worth once again, with the 36-year-old looking to extend his stay to the World Cup over the age of 50.
Virat Kohli: It has been 788 days since he made the international century. His numbers in test format have dropped since that elusive 70th international ton on November 23, 2019. However, Kohli remains just as menacing in the ODI, scoring 649 points in his last 15 games with a 43.36 average and a 92.45 strike rate, including eight fifties. Also, Kohli enjoys playing against South Africa and South Africa. He scored 1,287 points against Proteas, India’s fourth-highest, and 887 in Rainbow Nation.
Complete News Source : Hindustan Times
