After a surprising 2-0 drubbing in the T20Is, India move to their most preferred format, the ODIs, in which they have tasted success in the recent past. They faced Australia in a 3-match ODI series Down Under in January where they came back to clinch the series 2-1. Now, with all eyes on the World Cup, India have 5 games left to get their balance right. A chance for many shaky names in the squad to get in the flight to England. For the tourists, they have another tour to the middle east before they get into the main stage.

From the Indian dressing room:

The Men in Blue’s top order is their real strength. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are the world’s top-ranked batsmen. Kohli and Rohit both hold key to India’s success at the 2019 World Cup. If this isn’t enough, Dhawan, who himself is in the top 10 has shown why he is amongst the dangerous openers in the limited over game.

India’s worries begin when the cream of the batting is back in the hut. The number 4 spot for some time now has raised a few eyebrows. India have experimented Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni, Ajinkya Rahane and Manish Pandey for that position but none of them has cemented their place. Off late, Ambati Rayudu has been a favourite for that chair as Kohli has addressed in the press conferences.

MS Dhoni who rolled back the years in Australia was the Man of the Series in the 50-over game. He has been silencing his critics for some time now and is allowing his bat to do the talking. The former skipper adds tremendous value batting within the lower order. He will aim to continue in the same vein after having a good crack in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

Hardik Pandya continues to miss out due to a back injury. Vijay Shankar, in his absence, can utilize this opportunity if he wants a ticket to England.

The spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal known as ‘Kulcha’ need no introduction. Their ability to pick up wickets in the middle overs has won India many games.

The hosts also boast of a formidable pace line-up. Even with Bhuvneshwar Kumar rested for the first 3 ODIs, there is no lack of experience. Mohammed Shami has bowled with fire Down Under and will continue to battle for a spot in the final 15 that will play the World Cup. Jasprit Bumrah, who was given rest in the recent series is back fresh. He showed us in the last two games why he is among the best death bowlers.

Siddarth Kaul who has been called up in place of Bhuvneshwar has to show why he should be picked in place of Khaleel Ahmed. The latter who made his debut in the Asia Cup, has not been consistent enough.

Big games for KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant coming up. The former was impressive in the shortest format of the game and will aim to continue his good run even in the 50-over format. The main question is, where will he play? He can be a backup opener or even given a try at the number 4 place. Rishabh Pant who has leapfrogged Dinesh Karthik will also get his opportunity in the series. The keeper-batsman will have to grab it with two hands if he wants any chances of getting a sniff into the final 15 that travel to England.

From the Australian dressing room :

The Aaron Finch-led side will be high on confidence after their T20I series whitewash in India. However, they have failed to win an ODI series since January 2017. The absence of David Warner and Steve Smith is one of the major reasons for it. However, they will like to turn things around starting from the first ODI in Hyderabad.

Their weakness is India’s strength. Top order. Skipper, Finch himself has not been able to lead from the front which is worrying for the entire nation. His poor from off late has seen him gamble positions but to no avail. Alex Carey, who was dropped to fit in Peter Handscomb in the T20Is, should be back in the XI.

Usman Khawaja has played a couple of handy knocks to get him a number 3 slot. He was good when India travelled to Australia and will want to show it in the subcontinent as well. Their biggest problem will be the absence of Shaun Marsh. The southpaw has been their best limited over batsman but will miss the first 3 ODIs because of an injury. He troubled the Indians last month and will be eager to get back on the pitch. Ashton Turner may be handed his ODI cap in place of him.

Peter Handscomb, one of the better players of spin in the Aussie unit will be helpful in Indian conditions. While Nathan Coulter-Nile will look to add to the lower order.

Glenn Maxwell, after his Man of the Series performance in the T20I series, said that he would like to bat higher up the order. Coach Langer, in a diplomatic response, said that he will do what is best for the team.

Andrew Tye who was a late call-up in place of injured Kane Richardson will look to add spice to the pace department. When all fit, the Kangaroos will have a selection headache for their fast bowlers. Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazelwood will be given priority but the likes of Jason Behrendroff, Jhye Richardson have shown that they are no mugs with the ball.

Nathan Lyon will partner Adam Zampa in the spin section and that should provide variety to the squad.

All said and done, this 5-match ODI series starting in Hyderabad is going to be a cracker.