India vs Australia 2017: Probable Indian ODI squad

Middle Order

Kohli and Dhoni will look to continue their impressive form against Australia

Virat Kohli

For the first time since he took over as ODI and T20I captain, Virat Kohli will go up against Australia, a side against whom he has never captained before in ODIs. Coming into the series after back-to-back ODI centuries against Sri Lanka, Kohli will look to add to overtake Ricky Ponting and claim sole custody of the second spot in the list of most ODI tons.

MS Dhoni

After a Champions Trophy in which he didn't do a great deal and a mixed bag against West Indies, there were questions raised about MS Dhoni's place in the side. But the 36-year-old provided the perfect response during the tour of Sri Lanka, where he wasn't dismissed even once and showcased just how important experience is, in ODIs.

An average in excess of 90 in ODIs in this calendar year shows that his stories about his powers being on the wane have been greatly exaggerated. He will be looking to capitalize on his good form by adding to his runs tally as he inches closer to 10,000 runs.

Manish Pandey

With KL Rahul struggling in the middle-order against Sri Lanka, Manish Pandey's performances towards the end of the tour looks to have done enough to ensure that he retains his place in the side. Capable of playing anywhere in the middle-order, Pandey provides flexibility in the batting order and the fact that he is one of the finest fielders only strengthens his case.

Dinesh Karthik

Despite scoring an unbeaten fifty in his last ODI and 48 in his last T20I outing, Dinesh Karthik was unceremoniously dropped for the Sri Lanka series. Considering KL Rahul's poor form, the 32-year-old could well earn a comeback to the side for the ODI series against Australia.