3 players from the team against Australia who might not make it to the World Cup squad

India's World Cup preparations suffered a major blow after the team was stunned by Australia, minus Steve Smith and David Warner, in what was India's last ODI series before the World Cup. India was expected to make light work of the Aussies and try out different combinations before the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

However, things did not go the way the Indian team management would have liked and performances of some players have left some questions unanswered. Hardik Pandya's unavailability provided chances to the likes of Vijay Shankar and Ravindra Jadeja to secure a place in the final 15.

While Shankar impressed with the bat and Jadeja was brilliant in the field and with the ball, none of them did justice to their 'all-rounder' tag. Also, India's middle-order problems escalated during the series.

Even though the deadline for announcing the final squad is more than a month away, some of the players from the squad against Australia might be feeling the heat. Here are 3 players from the team against Australia who might not make it to the World Cup.

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#3 KL Rahul

Rahul hasn't looked comfortable in the middle order

KL Rahul's World Cup dreams were given a lifeline when he was selected in the ODI and T20 squads against Australia. While he performed well in both the matches in the T20 series, Rahul got just one opportunity in the ODI series.

In the 4th match played at Mohali, Rahul, who was batting at number 3, scored 26 runs off 31 balls on a belter of a pitch. Rahul's ODI form has been patchy in the recent past and he currently looks like a man who is short of confidence.

It will be a tricky situation for the selectors as Rahul hasn't looked comfortable in the middle-order and with Dhawan and Rohit at the top, he is unlikely to find a place in the side as an opener.

#2 Ambati Rayudu

Rayudu scored 33 runs in 3 innings against Australia

After finishing as the highest run-getter from either side in the ODI series against New Zealand, Ambati Rayudu seemed to have sealed a spot in the World Cup squad. Indian skipper, Virat Kohli had openly endorsed Rayudu as India's number 4 going into the mega-event.

Unfortunately, things went downside for Rayudu in the ODI series against Australia. The 33-year-old scored just 33 runs in 3 ODIs and was eventually dropped from the playing XI in the fourth match.

Rayudu averages more than 47 in ODIs but his technique against strong bowling-attacks have often been exposed. Moreover, his ground fielding hasn't been eye-catching.

It might be a little unfair on him to be dropped after just a few poor outings, but with the competition for a place in the Indian team being so tough, it won't be a surprise if his name is missing from the final list.

#1 Rishabh Pant

Pant has been guilty of playing loose shots

Rishabh Pant's selection in the ODI side against Australia came as a major surprise for many. Pant was included in the side at the expense of Dinesh Karthik, who had performed exceedingly well in the limited opportunities he got in Australia and New Zealand.

This was considered Pant's last shot for a place in the Indian team for the World Cup. Dhoni was rested for the last two ODIs and Pant was given a chance to put his case forward as the second wicket-keeper.

While he played a good cameo in the 4th ODI at Ranchi, Pant's glove-work was quite sloppy. The youngster received a lot of stick for it and was under tremendous pressure in the final ODI.

Chasing a target of 273 India was in trouble after losing Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli pretty early and the stage was set for Pant to show his mettle. However, he played a lazy shot and gave away his wicket cheaply.

There are no doubts about Pant's talent but the selectors might prefer to go with Karthik's experience in a big tournament like the World Cup and groom the youngster for future events.