The BCCI on Sunday (February 19) announced the 18-member squad for the ODI series against Australia. Rohit Sharma will be leading the team in the last two ODIs. His deputy, Hardik Pandya, will captain the side in the opening ODI of the series. There are quite a few changes in the squad in comparison to the team that played against New Zealand.
KL Rahul is back in the squad along with Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja hasn’t played an ODI since July 2022 and will play his first 50-over fixture after seven months. There was a surprising call-up in form of Jaydev Unadkat. Since a few players made their returns, several players were also dropped from the squad. Here, we have a look at the complete list of changes in the ODI squad for the Australia series.
KL Rahul is back in the ODI squad after missing the series against New Zealand. The wicketkeeper-batsman missed the series against the Kiwis due to his marriage. Star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is back in the ODI team for the first time since 2022’s England tour. He was down with a knee injury and missed ample cricket. He has been India’s star performer in the ongoing Test series.
Axar Patel also regained his spot after missing the NZ series due to his marriage. Jaydev Unadkat was a shock selection in the squad. He last played an ODI in 2013. The left-arm pacer has been rewarded for his consistent performances in domestic cricket. Also back in the squad is Shreyas Iyer, who missed the NZ series due to a back issue.
Out
Rajat Patidar has been dropped from the ODI team. He replaced Iyer for the NZ series and is out of the squad without getting a chance. He has been waiting for his debut since October 2022. KS Bharat, who earned his maiden ODI call-up in Rahul’s absence, is also dropped. He is part of the last two Test matches. Shahbaz Ahmed is another player to be dropped from the ODI team.
