1983 World Cup winner Kris Srikanth has revealed his dream squad for India’s squad for the first ODI against Australia on Sunday, October 19 at Optus Stadium in Perth. The three-match ODI series will see the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, while Shubman Gill will be appointed as India’s new ODI captain and Shreyas Iyer as vice-captain.
The former Indian chief selector’s top order includes Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer, while KL Rahul plays the role of wicketkeeper-batsman at number five. Srikanth has named three all-rounders in the mid-order – Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar – to create balance.
Kris Srikanth reveals that India will play in the opening ODI against Australia
The former Indian cricketer’s bowling attack consisted of wrist-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav and fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, apart from Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana.
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Srikanth has selected spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar at number eight, following India’s strategy of strengthening their batting depth while preserving bowling options for the opening match of the three-match ODI series between India and Australia in Perth.
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The former Indian chief selector wants to field Nitish Kumar Reddy as a third seamer along with Siraj and Prasidh. Srikanth said on his YouTube channel, “If you look at the trends, they are playing with eight batsmen. They should be able to bat at No. 8 as well. If you are thinking of batting up to eight, Washington Sundar should be your automatic choice. I will continue to play Sundar at eight, Kuldeep at nine, and Siraj and Prasidh Krishna at 10 and 11. I will use Nitish as the third seamer and still go with three.” Spinner. ”
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With Jasprit Bumrah rested for the upcoming ODI series, Srikanth believes Siraj and Krishna will take up the pace bowling responsibility. He stressed that it would be unfair to leave out Kuldeep in place of Sundar and suggested a four-pronged attack on the Australian situation.
“If it’s an attractive wicket then we have Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc. They have a more experienced pace attack. Bumrah will be a big miss for us so we will rely on Siraj and Placido,” he added.
Kuldeep cannot be dropped. If you were to drop Kuldeep and say he will play against Washington, it would be unfair to Kuldeep. If I were captain, I would play with Siraj, Kuldeep, Washington and Prasidh. ”
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Srikanth also explained that the pitch situation in Australia is the main reason for preferring Krishna over Arshdeep Singh. Krishna’s ability to generate extra bounce suits the fast and bouncy Australian wickets and has been a key element of India’s bowling strategy.
He concluded by saying, “Arshdeep has done nothing wrong, but the problem lies in the combination. Why Arshdeep and not Prasidh? This is not T20. This is an ODI. Prasidh can get an extra bounce on the Australian wicket.”
Kris Srikanth’s India squad in 1st ODI vs Australia:
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (C), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (VC), KL Rahul (WK), Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.