India vs Australia 2017: India's predicted playing XI for fifth ODI

Jadhav's innovation will be key to India's chances in the future

Kedar Jadhav, like Rahane, was made the scapegoat for India's defeat in the fourth ODI, as he failed to inject any sort of momentum into the Indian innings. Whilst his spot looks safe for now, he needs to start contributing more often if he is to remain in the team's long-term plans. His off-spin has not been used much in the series - he only bowled in the Bangalore ODI where he picked up the wicket of David Warner - and if he cannot contribute with the bat, he needs to make sure he does with the ball as his fielding is a liability.

Hardik Pandya has well and truly arrived. The all-rounder is the leading run-scorer in the series, having amassed 222 runs from four matches at an average of 55.50 and astounding strike rate of 108. Pandya has also provided vital breakthroughs with the ball for his side in almost all the games, including those of Steve Smith, Travis Head and David Warner albeit in different games. Pandya is considered a finisher but his promotion to No.4 has proved fruitful as well and Team India are in quite a dilemma with regards to where to use him.

MS Dhoni scored a scintillating 79 in the opening game, but has since failed to string together any runs at all. With Pandya's performances at No. 4 and Pandey's useful cameos lower down the order, Dhoni found himself batting at 7 in the last couple of games, where familiar problems resurfaced. He does not have the ability to finish games off anymore and hence needs to be sent in up the order where he can build an innings and lay a foundation for the likes of Pandya and Jadhav to explode later on.