Xtra Time Web Desk: Indian team management is likely to make a few changes for the ODI series-decider against Australia in Chennai on Wednesday. The three match ODI series is levelled 1-1 with the hosts winning the first ODI at Mumbai. The visitors bounced back with a comprehensive 10 wickets win at Vizag in the second ODI.
Suryakumar Yadav, who has been struggling for form, might be demoted to number 6 in the batting order, while Hardik Pandya could be promoted to number 4. Surya has had a poor run in his last ten ODIs, scoring only 96 runs with two ducks in his last two innings. Hardik has a good record batting at number 4 for his IPL franchise and is better suited to the position.
In the bowling department, Axar Patel is likely to make way for Shardul Thakur. With Ravindra Jadeja already in the team, Patel’s inclusion does not make sense. Depending on the conditions India will play an extra seamer or spinner. Shardul’s inclusion will add depth to the pace attack, while local boy Washington Sundar too has a chance to play as he knows the conditions best.
Australia is expected to go in with the same team that won the second ODI. David Warner is unlikely to play in the series decider.
Probable playing XI for India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur/Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj