IND vs AUS 2023: India vs Australia 3rd ODI – Predicted India Playing XI vs Australia

Team India (Source: Twitter/BCCI)

The ODI series between India and Australia has not disappointed so far. After the hosts clinched the victory in the first game, Steve Smith and Co. made a brilliant comeback in the second ODI. Both teams have everything to play for in the upcoming game on March 22.

Batting first, India were bundled out for just 117 runs after Mitchell Starc terrorized the batters with a fifer in the previous ODI. Australia came in to bat and made no mistake during the run chase as Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head hit half-centuries to propell the Aussies to a ten-wicket victory in just 11 overs.

Here is India’s predicted XI for second ODI against Australia:

Openers: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill

India’s top order failed to impress in the second ODI. Rohit Sharma, who missed the first ODI due to family commitments, made an appearance in the second game. However, the skipper was unable to make an impact as he only managed to score 13 before he was dismissed by Starc.

In-form Shubman Gill has failed to come through in the series so far. He was dismissed for 20 in the first game, and the second match saw him go back to the pavilion for a duck. The 23-year-old will be desperate to react positively in the series decider and make an impact with the bat.

Middle Order – Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul (WK)

India’s middle order will probably be unchanged as well, mostly due to the experience the players provide. Virat Kohli was the highest run-getter for India in the second ODI, with 31 runs to his name. The hosts will be looking for an impressive performance from the ace batter if they are looking to get anything out of the series decider.

Suryakumar Yadav has had a horrid run so far as the 32-year-old has been dismissed for a golden duck in both the ODIs. He will be desperate to improve his performances in the series decider. Meanwhile, after a marvelous knock in the first game that led India to victory, KL Rahul was also the victim of Mitchell Starc in the second match. He only managed to score nine runs and will be keen on making a mark in the next game.

All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel

After a decent performance in the first ODI, the Indian all-rounders crumbled under the relentless bowling attack of the Aussies. Hardik Pandya scored a single run in the second ODI and conceded 18 runs in the over he bowled.

Ravindra Jadeja had a disappointing outing as well, as the veteran all-rounder scored 16 runs before he was sent back to the pavilion and did not get the chance to bowl. Axar Patel has been in prime recently and scored an unbeaten 29 off 29 in the previous game and should retain his place.

Washington Sundar could be a key addition to the Indian team for the third ODI considering the game is in Chennai and Sundar’s familiarity with the conditions could be a boost for India given that he is selected.

Bowlers: Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj

The Indian bowling line-up had a day to forget in the second ODI against Australia as none of the bowlers were able to take wickets and provide the hosts with any breakthroughs. Mohammed Shami bowled three overs in which he conceded 29 runs.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj had an even worse outing, as the 29-year-old bowled three overs and conceded 37 runs without taking a wicket. He will hope that he can improve upon his performance in the series decider.

Probable team India playing XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj