What could be India's first-choice playing XI for the first ODI 

Wicketkeeper: MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni is the most experienced player in the Indian team at the moment. Having been rested from the T20 side against the West Indies in the recently concluded series, Dhoni will look to give a perfect reply to his critics by making a match-winning contribution in the first ODI "Down Under."

Despite being out of form, he could still prove to be a game-changer for India particularly in the death overs due to his enormous strength. Also, this will be an opportunity for him to convey to the selectors that he is still the best man behind the wickets for India.

All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja

Hardik Pandya has established himself as one of the most talented all-rounders in modern day cricket. He is an excellent slogger in the death overs and is capable of bowling his full quota of overs in the match. Having missed the Test and T20 series due to injury, Pandya will look to put his best foot forward.

Pandya is an automatic choice in the XI and India need to give him as many games as possible before the World Cup.

Ravindra Jadeja was in superb form for India in the recent Test series in Australia. His performances both with the bat and the ball helped India to win their first ever Test series Down Under. Hence, he should be considered to play ahead of Chahal on the basis of his excellent form, familiarity with the conditions and ability to contribute with the bat in the death overs.

Chahal on his part hasn't done anything wrong not to get picked in the first ODI. Hence, it will be an interesting decision regarding who gets selected in the side.