BCCI announces India's squad for Australia series: Details here
What's the story
The BCCI has announced the squad for the upcoming ODIs and T20Is against Australia. India will play two T20Is against the Aussies before engaging in a five-match ODI series. Skipper Virat Kohli returns to the fray, with KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant handed call-ups for both of these series. Mumbai Indians spinner Mayank Markande has also been included in the T20I squad.
Information
India's 15-member squad for T20Is
India's squad for T20Is- Virat Kohli (captain), Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni (wicket-keeper), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Vijay Shankar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Sidharth Kaul, Mayank Markande.
ODI squad
Ravindra Jadeja and Khaleel Ahmed dropped from ODIs
India's squad for first two ODIs: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Vijay Shankar, Rishabh Pant, Siddharth Kaul and KL Rahul. India's squad for remaining three ODIs: Virat, Rohit, Dhawan, Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Shami, Shankar, KL Rahul, Pant.
Scenario
Squad for final three ODIs the choice for World Cup?
If we analyze the ODI squad for the final three matches, it is highly likely to be the team for the ICC World Cup 2019. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed and veteran middle order batsman Dinesh Karthik have been dropped from the squad. Notably, Karthik's omission comes as a surprise. Rahul and Pant were handed call-ups to show their credentials.
Focus
Focus on Pant and Rahul to have a real crack
India will need to play KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant in the series versus Australia to see how they play against a top class side. If both manage to grab their chances, then it will spoil DK's chances to play the World Cup. Moreover, Vijay Shankar will need to express himself after being given the backing as the second all-rounder.
ODIs
This is India's last international assignment
India would possibly go with three premier pacers in the World Cup. This means all-rounders Pandya and Shankar could play the supporting roles. India are backing Kedar Jadhav as the third spinner of the side. Pacer Jasprit Bumrah returns to the fold and no senior player has been handed a rest. It's a strong Indian unit that will take on the Aussies.
Information
T20Is: Big moment for Markande
It's a big moment for young spinner Mayank Markande after he was named in the T20I squad. Markande was given the nod after Kuldeep Yadav was rested for the two T20Is. Markande had a superb debut campaign for MI in IPL 11.