Published on: Sep 19, 2023 11:46 am IST|Updated on: Sep 19, 2023 1:04 pm IST
India and Australia will lock horns in the 1st ODI of India vs Australia ODI Series 2023, to be held at Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali, Chandigarh on 22nd September, 1:30 PM IST onwards.
This is going to be a clash of the titans as both teams are among the top 3 in the ICC World Rankings. Australia might have lost 3 ODIs in a row against South Africa but they must be feeling confident after the return of Steve Smith and Pat Cummins. However, they are going to miss Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head at the top. India, on the other hand, are resting their star players including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, and Kuldeep Yadav, as KL Rahul will be playing as the standing captain for the first 2 ODIs.
Despite these omissions, India still look good on paper with in-form players like Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Mohammad Siraj leading the charge.
Let’s see which team holds their nerve better and wins the game, which is definitely going to be an edge-of-the-seat encounter.
KL Rahul (c), Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Prasidh Krishna, R Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Tilak Varma, Washington Sundar.
Australia might look vulnerable after a 3-game losing streak but underestimating them on the basis of this record would be a mistake. And with Steve Smith back in the team, their strength has improved immensely. Talking about India, the confidence must be on cloud nine after winning the Asia Cup. However, with Kohli and Rohit resting for the first 2 ODIs, a crack may appear in the batting order, especially in testing waters.
Having said this, Shubman Gill and LK Rahul are in good touch. And, Siraj also tasted blood in the last game. It can be anybody’s game on their day.
But if we have to pick one team, we will pick India, largely on the basis of home advantage.
Shubman Gill ODI Stats (Career)
Shubman Gill is having a great time at the pitch. He’s scoring big and briskly. An average of over 64 in 33 innings is simply unbelievable. Get ready for the blood as he is out for the kill already.
KL Rahul ODI Stats (Career)
KL Rahul is meeting the ball at the meat of the bat. He’s got both power and skill. And the time seems to be right too, with Captain’s hat on his head. It’s going to be an exciting series for him.
Tags: IND vs AUS 2023India