The cricketing world is buzzing with excitement as the 3rd ODI between India and Australia is on the horizon. What makes this clash even more thrilling is the return of two cricketing giants, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, to the Indian squad. This match is of immense significance as it serves as the final ODI for both teams before they step onto the grand stage of the ODI World Cup in 2023. As it stands, India leads the series 2-0 and enters the World Cup as the top-ranked team across all formats. The return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli injects a formidable edge into India’s lineup as they aim to secure a clean sweep against Australia in this bilateral series.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli: The Dynamic Duo Returns
The resurgence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli is a source of jubilation for Indian cricket fans. These two stalwarts have been the backbone of India’s batting for years and have consistently delivered match-winning performances on the international stage.
Rohit Sharma, known for his elegant strokeplay and ability to anchor the innings, is set to resume his role as the team’s captain. His captaincy acumen, combined with his explosive batting, makes him a force to be reckoned with. Rohit Sharma has a remarkable record as captain, and his leadership on the field is expected to propel India to greater heights.
Virat Kohli, often referred to as the “Run Machine,” is renowned for his incredible consistency and insatiable hunger for runs. Kohli’s return adds depth and stability to India’s batting lineup. His aggressive approach and ability to chase down formidable targets make him a match-winner in any format of the game. Kohli’s presence not only boosts the team’s batting but also inspires his teammates with his unmatched work ethic and determination.
India’s Dominance and Momentum
As India prepares to host the ODI World Cup, they find themselves in a position of authority, having clinched the series against Australia. With comprehensive victories in the first two ODIs, India has showcased their prowess in all facets of the game. Their batting, led by the likes of Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Suryakumar Yadav, has been prolific. These young guns have demonstrated maturity and composure beyond their years, forging partnerships and delivering match-winning performances.
Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round brilliance has been a revelation in the series. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball has provided India with the much-needed balance. Jadeja’s fielding prowess adds another dimension to his game, making him an invaluable asset to the team.
The bowling department, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, has been relentless. Bumrah’s ability to bowl yorkers at will and Siraj’s fiery pace have rattled the Australian batsmen. The spin duo of R Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav has strangled the opposition in the middle overs, making it challenging for the batsmen to score freely.
Australia’s Quest for Redemption
For Australia, this match holds immense significance beyond the series result. Having suffered consecutive losses, including defeats to South Africa, a victory in this match would provide a much-needed morale boost ahead of the ODI World Cup. Pat Cummins, the captain, will be banking on the return of Mitchell Starc to reinvigorate the bowling attack. Starc’s ability to generate pace and swing makes him a potent force in limited-overs cricket.
Glenn Maxwell’s inclusion adds firepower to the Australian batting order. Maxwell’s explosive hitting and ability to clear the boundaries make him a game-changer on his day. His off-spin bowling adds another dimension to Australia’s bowling arsenal.
Key Match Details
- Event: IND vs AUS 3rd ODI
- Venue: Rajkot
- Timing: 1:30 PM IST
- Broadcast: Sports 18 and Jio Cinema
Pitch Report
The Rajkot pitch has a reputation for favoring high-scoring encounters, often witnessing teams post totals exceeding 300 runs. Given India’s exceptional performance with a mammoth score of 399 runs in their previous match in Indore, a run-fest can be anticipated in this contest. The batsmen are expected to relish the conditions, and boundaries are likely to flow freely.
Weather Update
Rajkot is bracing for a scorching day, with temperatures soaring above 35 degrees Celsius. The weather forecast indicates minimal chances of rainfall, ensuring ideal playing conditions for both teams.
Predicted Playing XIs
India:
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Ishan Kishan
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul (wk)
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Ravindra Jadeja
- R Ashwin
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Siraj
- Jasprit Bumrah
Australia:
- Mitchell Marsh
- David Warner
- Steven Smith
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Glenn Maxwell
- Marcus Stoinis
- Mitchell Starc
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Adam Zampa
- Josh Hazlewood
The 3rd ODI between India and Australia promises to be a riveting encounter, serving as a crucial prelude to the highly-anticipated ODI World Cup 2023. As Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli make their return, the cricketing world eagerly awaits the showdown between these two cricketing powerhouses. Will India maintain their dominance, or will Australia stage a comeback and gain momentum before the World Cup? Cricket enthusiasts around the globe are in for a treat as these questions unfold on the field in Rajkot.