Jennifer
The final preparation for the all-important ODI World Cup is about to get underway with Australia touring India. They will be playing a three-match ODI series, which is scheduled to start on September 22. The first match of the series will be played on September 22 at IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali. The second one will be played in Indore on September 24 and lastly, in Rajkot on September 27. Both India and Australia are considered strong contenders for the upcoming World Cup to be held in India.
Australia has already unveiled an 18-member squad for the upcoming three ODIs, marking the return of crucial players to their lineup. Finally, the eagerly awaited Indian squad was also announced on September 18, with teams being divided into two sections i.e., squad for the first two ODIs and then followed by squad for 3rd ODI. KL Rahul will lead the Indian cricket team in the initial two ODIs against Australia starting from September 22. R Ashwin makes his return to the ODI squad and will participate in all three matches.
However, senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will rest for the first two games but will return for the final match. There is uncertainty surrounding Axar Patel’s fitness, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar hopes he will be available for the last match. Axar suffered an injury during the Super 4 match against Bangladesh, which had no bearing on the outcome. Washington Sundar was brought in as a last-minute replacement for Axar Patel in the Asia Cup squad.
It is also to be kept in mind that for the last ODI against India will be playing with their full-fledged squad of 15 members along with Ashwin and Washington also being added to the squad. However, Rohit Sharma will be leading the team in the third ODI.
Let us now look at how Twitter has reacted to this squad:
India's greatest ever off spinner
— Mr Khan (@Shahrukh_Lilgar) September 18, 2023
Welcome Ravi Chandra Ashwin 😆😆
— 🅿️iyush kataruka (@Piyush_Kataruka) September 18, 2023
Great decision… he can bat down the order and we needed a off spin bowler so yeah nice decision
— Hussain (@imhussy92) September 18, 2023
Honestly Virat Kohli didn't need rest as he hasn't played much recently.
— Shubman Gang (@ShubmanGang) September 18, 2023
Fair enough..
Big players are rested for 2 odis and then make a comeback— Extraa Cover (@ExtraaaCover) September 18, 2023
Wise decision indeed to keep players away from injuries
— Extraa Cover (@ExtraaaCover) September 18, 2023
Good decision to rest in first 2 games
— Ansh Shah (@asmemesss) September 18, 2023
This is good decision taken by Bcci and Captain
— Md Husnain (@mdrj007) September 18, 2023
India will play against Australia in their first match in ODI World Cup
The two-time World Cup winners will be kickstarting their campaign for ODI World Cup 2023 with their match against Australia on October 8 at MA Chidambaram stadium in Chennai. A ground that has over the years been friendly for the spinners. So, the inclusion of Ashwin into the team can be crucial. In addition to it, the team will also be playing their arch-rivals Pakistan on October 14 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
