3 players who are likely to miss India's ODI squad against Australia

After drawing level the T20I series against Australia, the visitors see the four-match Test series tied at 1-1 with two matches still to go in Melbourne and Sydney. With much at stake, the remaining encounters promise to be even more intense business before India take on the Aussies in a three-match ODI series.

The ODI affair against the home team will be a countdown to India's final preparation leading into the World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in England during summers of 2019. The team management will be keen on giving enough game time to their probable squad of 15-members who are in sight for the prestigious tournament.

It will be interesting to see as the three matches in Australia will be India's final roll of dice in search of the solution to their middle-order woes and an experiment to find enough back-up to each spot. The likes of MS Dhoni, Dinesh Karthik, and Ambati Rayudu, will love to get into the groove with not many games before the World Cup.

The selection of the squad would also give an indication to India's strategy for the upcoming tournament. Kohli and the team management would want to take every game as an opportunity to find out their best XI. As a result, it might see a few players being axed from the squad due to their unlikely selection for the World Cup or an attempt to manage their workload.

Here's a look at 3 players who are likely to miss India's ODI squad against Australia:

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#3 KL Rahul

Rahul has struggled for a consistent show at the International level

The ever so talented KL Rahul has struggled for form in all the three formats. A career that began with a lot of promise on the show, has taken a fair dip for a time longer than expected. The Karnataka-born lad, who possess sheer class and looks menacing when on song, has failed to perform consistently at the highest level. He is lacking in confidence which is evident in his will to adapt according to the format and the situation of the game.

Rahul, who is now India's third opener as a backup to Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan in ODIs, has failed to get a go in the limited overs format. His recent Test failures come back to haunt him times and again, despite continuous backing from the skipper and the team management.

It would be no surprise if Rahul is overlooked for any further go in the white ball format. This could also see him being deprived of any chances of being in the squad for the World Cup 2019.

#2 Rishabh Pant

Pant might make room for Karthik's selection in the team

The attacking Wicket-keeper batsman from Delhi has made progress to the International level rather quickly in such a short span in his cricketing career. After a splendid show for his state team in the domestic circuit, Pant grabbed eyeballs, forcing an immediate selection in the national team.

When his skills with the bat were never in question, it was his glove work behind the wicket, which allowed critics to raise finger against his selection in the team.

However, being unperturbed by the outsiders, skipper Kohli has shown immense faith in the youngster, who is also believed to be one of India's star in the future. But it has been disappointing from Pant, who has failed to convert his chances after a long rope offered to him at the International level.

It might be time when the selectors could leave out Pant from the upcoming ODI series against Australia and New Zealand, given he would as the second wicketkeeper after MS Dhoni returns to the fold.

#1 Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah is a vital cog in the wheel for India

India's most reliable seamer in all the three formats, Jasprit Bumrah will be India's key bowler in the upcoming World Cup 2019. Bumrah, who has evolved from a bowler with limited skills to the world's best in the white-ball format, is equally important to India's chances in the 50-over World cup.

The 25-year old shoulders the new ball responsibility for India alongside Bhuvneshar Kumar in the limited overs format. The team management would be keen to manage his workload in the lead up to the World Cup and at the same time, allow the third seamer in Umesh Yadav or Khaleel Ahmed to get back in bowling rhythm.

Bumrah, who played all the three T20Is and has featured in both the Tests so far, is a likely starter for the remaining two Test matches as well. It will be interesting to see whether India risk by including Bumrah for the three-match ODI series or rest him keeping in mind the much important fixtures lined up for the entire year.