India vs Australia 2019: 3 Indian players for whom the ODI series is very crucial 

Only a month ago, India had created history down-under against Australia by winning both the Test and ODI series. Now, the Aussies are in Indian soil as both teams are looking to lock their final squad for the ICC World Cup 2019. Though the Aussies have one more ODI series against Pakistan in UAE, the upcoming 5-match series will be the final series for the Indian team to finalize their WC squad.

Before the ODI series, both teams squared-off against each other in a 2-match T20I series. The visitors surprised the home team by clinching the T20I series 2-0. Maxwell’s sublime form ensured a clean sweep for the visitors. However, the Indian team will be vying for revenge in the ODI series.

Moreover, this series will be significant for a few players in both teams as they can strengthen their chance of making the World Cup squad. Among them, let us look at three Indian players for whom the upcoming ODI series is very crucial.

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#3 Ravindra Jadeja

Jadeja has been impressive since his comeback during the Asia Cup 2018

Ever since the humiliating defeat at the hands of Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 final, the limited-overs careers of India’s two frontline spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin & Ravindra Jadeja, have been severely jolted.

Unlike Ashwin, Jadeja is fortunate enough as he is still in the scheme of India’s 2019 WC plan. After an injury to Hardik Pandya during the Asia Cup 2018, Jadeja received a surprise recall to India’s ODI squad. He made an impressive comeback in the Asia Cup by picking up seven wickets from four matches with an economy rate of 4.46.

Since then, Jadeja once again became a permanent member in India’s ODI squad. However, with the return of Hardik Pandya in the New Zealand tour, Jadeja warmed the bench in that entire ODI series. With Hardik ruled out of the forthcoming ODI series against Australia, Jadeja has a high chance of finding a place in the playing XI.

A decent all-round showing in the upcoming ODI series will strengthen his case for the 2019 WC squad. With the pitches in England expected to support the slow bowlers at the latter stages of the World Cup, Jadeja can play a crucial role with the ball in the World Cup.

#2 Vijay Shankar

Hardik Pandya's injury is a blessing in disguise for Vijay Shankar

Vijay Shankar is naïve to the International arena, as he has played only four ODIs and nine T20Is till this date. Since there are not too many fast-bowling all-rounders available in India, Vijay Shankar did not need to wait for too many years to make his International debut.

With India resting few of their key players during the Nidahas Trophy last year, Vijay made his T20I debut against Sri Lanka. Though he is infamously remembered for his struggling knock at the finals against Bangladesh in that series, he has matured a lot as a player in recent times. His performances in the recently concluded New Zealand series show his development as a player.

Since Hardik Pandya will miss the upcoming ODI series against Australia due to injury, it is high time for Vijay Shankar to display his full potential to the cricketing world. A strong showing in the Australia series will definitely fetch him a ticket to the World Cup.

#1 KL Rahul

KL Rahul is once again back amongst the runs

Exactly a year ago, Lokesh Rahul was a permanent member in the Indian setup in all the three formats of the game. However, a sudden lean patch forced his exile from the Indian team. Besides, the infamous controversy in the ‘Koffee with Karan’ TV show damaged his reputation. Moreover, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) indefinitely suspended both Rahul and Hardik Pandya for their remarks on the TV show.

Later, BCCI provisionally lifted the suspension and Rahul was back with India A setup. Rahul’s good run of form with India A ensured him a recall to the limited-overs series against Australia. Rahul carried his India A form to the T20I series as he almost scored back-to-back half-centuries against Australia.

In the post-match press conference of the second game, Rahul stated that the suspension has made him humble and gave him ample time to reflect on his game. If Rahul carries his current form to the ODI series, then a place in the World Cup squad is not too far away.