After a good series in Australia and a decent one in New Zealand, India might look to make some last-minute fine tuning to the well-oiled machinery against the Aussies in the upcoming 2-match T20I and 5-match ODI series starting February 24.
Keeping the upcoming World Cup in mind, the team management and the selection committee might decide to give few cricketers a last opportunity to make the cut for the final World Cup squad. In this regard, some senior batsmen and bowlers might also be rested.
As part of this heavy rotation, vice-captain Rohit Sharma might be rested for few of the matches while opener KL Rahul and middle-order batsmen Ajinkya Rahane might be recalled.
Karthik vs Pant
Skipper Virat Kohli, who was rested for the last two ODIs and the entire T20I series against New Zealand might make a comeback at some point during the Australia series. According to The Hindu, with Rohit Sharma also in contention for a break, Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane is all set to return to the ODI fold and even go on to lead the side.
Both Dinesh Karthik and Rishabh Pant, might be tested for the final time before the squad for the World Cup is decided. With Dhoni still being the first-choice keeper, it will a fight between Karthik and Pant to for a spot in India's World Cup side as the second keeper.
Much Needed Rest For Kul-Cha
In the bowling department, the spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal might also be rested, especially after a hectic year, where the pair almost played all limited-over matches for India. This might be the only time; the selectors could afford to rest the spinners.
Bumrah, who was rested after the Test series against Australia, might be brought back in the team as Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami are expected to be rested. India might test out the likes of Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Siraj in their absence.
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