India vs Australia: India’s predicted XI for 4th ODI – Three changes expected in Mohali

Australia’s win in third ODI meant they kept the five-match series alive after India’s victories in first two matches in Vizag and Nagpur respectively.

After the disappointing 32-run loss in Ranchi, India will look to get back in the groove when they take on Australia in the fourth ODI of the series at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on Sunday.

File image of players of Indian cricket team celebrating the fall (AP)

Australia’s win in the third ODI meant they kept the five-match series alive after India’s victories in the first two matches in Vizag and Nagpur respectively. Let’s take a look now at India’s predicted XI for this clash as they look to seal the series in Mohali.

Rohit Sharma

Vice-captain Rohit Sharma hasn’t been in the best of form in the ongoing series where he has finished with scores of 37, 0 and 14. The Mumbai batsman will certainly look to spend more time in the middle and get into the groove ahead of the World Cup.

KL Rahul

India’s back-up opener KL Rahul is likely to get a couple of chances to impress in the 50-over format and he could be included in the side in place of regular opener Shikhar Dhawan, who hasn’t had a good time in the series. Rahul impressed in the two-match T20I series and will be expected of doing the same in ODIs as well.

Virat Kohli

Skipper Virat Kohli slammed his 41st ODI ton in the last match and that was his second century in as many games. Kohli recently returned into the side after being rested so he will definitely be a part of the team in Mohali. The Indian captain will look to fire India to a series win with another majestic batting display.

Ambati Rayudu

This could be the make or break last couple of games for Ambati Rayudu as the team management must be running out of patience because of his inconsistency at the crucial number four spot. He has failed to come up with the goods since his score of 90 runs in the fifth ODI against New Zealand. In the ongoing series, he has scores of 13,18 and 2.

Rishabh Pant

After the conclusion of the third ODI, batting coach Sanjay Bangar revealed that wicket-keeper-batsman MS Dhoni will be rested for the final two ODIs, giving young Rishabh Pant a chance to showcase his talent. Pant can seal his place in India’s World Cup squad with the help of couple of good performances in this series.

Kedar Jadhav

All-rounder Kedar Jadhav had a torrid time with both bat and ball in the last game and will look to make amends in this clash. He was expensive with the ball and was rightly given only two overs to bowl. While with the bat, he was dismissed at a crucial juncture when a partnership was the need of the hour in the chase.

Vijay Shankar

All-rounder Vijay Shankar had an average outing in Ranchi, where he bowled relatively well and also got some runs under his belt. Although he couldn’t take the team over the line after Kohli’s dismissal, he looked steady in the middle under immense pressure. With every passing game, Shankar is getting better and better.

Ravindra Jadeja

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja had an off day with the ball as he taken for more than six runs per over in his full quota of 10 overs. With that bat, he gave India a fighting chance but couldn’t continue for long and perished after scoring 24 off 31 runs. He adds a new dimension to the Indian line-up with his 10 overs and hard-hitting and should retain his place in the side.

Kuldeep Yadav

There are times during matches when things aren’t going India’s way but Chinaman Kuldeep Yadav somehow manages to pick wickets. Same was the case in Ranchi where he taken for plenty in his opening spell but came back strongly to take three wickets later on in the Australian innings. Kuldeep’s knack of picking wickets makes him on the first names on the team sheet.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Fast-bowler Bhuneshwar Kumar is expected to make a return into the side after being rested for the first two ODIs and not selected for the third. Mohammed Shami also picked up a knock in the last game and therefore the team management won’t be looking to take a chance with him and that makes Bhuvneshwar almost a certain starter.

Jasprit Bumrah

Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah had an off day in Ranchi where he gave away 53 runs in 10 overs without picking a single wicket. Since coming back from the break, Bumrah has been inconsistent and therefore the team management will be looking to play him as much as possible in order for him to get back into rhythm.