New Delhi: India is all set takes on Australia in a high-stakes three-match ODI series starting September 22. The stage is set for thrilling clashes, and all eyes are on the players gearing up for the ODI World Cup. In anticipation of this crucial series, Indian cricket’s head coach, Rahul Dravid, addressed the press on Thursday, sharing insights into the series and expressing his support for Suryakumar Yadav, who has faced challenges in the ODI format.

Dravid left no room for doubt 

Rahul Dravid left no room for doubt as he declared, “We fully support Suryakumar Yadav.” He conveyed his confidence that Yadav would find his form in ODIs and assured that he would feature in the first two ODIs of the series. Dravid emphasized that the team had not chosen the ODI squad based on a single date, referring to September 27. He confirmed Yadav’s spot in the World Cup team, citing his quality and ability to make an impact batting at number 6.

Resting senior players

Addressing the decision to rest Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Dravid revealed it was a well-thought-out strategy. The team aims to keep the senior players mentally and physically fresh ahead of the World Cup’s opening match.

Batting lineup 

Dravid remained tight-lipped about the playing eleven but hinted at challenges in maintaining consistency in the batting order, particularly with Ishan Kishan or any other batsman. Nonetheless, he pledged to align the lineup according to the World Cup requirements.

Is Ashwin returning? 

The return of Ravichandran Ashwin to the ODI team after an absence of about 18 months was met with positivity by Dravid. He praised Ashwin’s experience and noted that he could make valuable contributions with the bat in the number 8 position. Dravid stressed that Ashwin had always been in the team’s plans, especially as a solution to injury concerns.

With the stage set and Dravid’s confidence behind him, Suryakumar Yadav and the Indian cricket team are poised for an exciting series against Australia and have their eyes firmly set on the upcoming ODI World Cup.

India’s team for the first two ODIs

• KL Rahul (captain and wicketkeeper)
• Ravindra Jadeja (vice-captain)
• Shubman Gill
• Ruturaj Gaikwad
• Suryakumar Yadav
• Shreyas Iyer
• Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper)
• Tilak Verma
• Shardul Thakur
• Washington Sundar
• Ravichandran Ashwin
• Jasprit Bumrah
• Mohammad Siraj
• Mohammed Shami
• Prasidh Krishna