Ind vs Aus ODI Series: 3 Players who should be rested for the first 3 ODIs
#2. Bhuvneswar Kumar
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been on the road since the first ODI against Australia at Sydney. In the absence of his bowling partner Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvi had to shoulder the responsibility of the main strike bowler in Australia and New Zealand. Bhuvi did his job admirably well. He had played in 8 ODIs and 3 T20Is within a span of one month and deserves a rest.
While Bhuvi’s place would be taken up Jasprit Bumrah, players like Umesh Yadav and Khaleel Ahmed should also get a final look in.
Bhuvi could return for the final 2 ODIs either in place of Bumrah or Shami.
#1 Rohit Sharma
Like Bhuvi, Rohit Sharma has been part of the entire ODI and T20I series down under. Being a new dad, he should spend quality time with his family to rejuvenate himself before the World Cup.
Rohit’s place can be taken up either by K.L. Rahul or Ajinkya Rahane. Both are very much part of Team India’s scheme of things for the World Cup. Rohit could replace the other opener, Shikhar Dhawan, for the last 2 ODIs.
If players like M.S. Dhoni and Hardik Pandya show decent form in the first 3 ODIs, they could be replaced by Rishabh Pant and Vijay Shankar respectively for the last 2 ODIs.
By rotating players in the above manner in the 5 matches ODI series against Australia, the key players would get fair opportunity to fine-tune them one final time before the World Cup. At the same time, the fringe players who are at the brink of selection would get more opportunities to press their claim.
Besides, for players like Ambati Rayadu, Kedar Jadhav and Dinesh Karthik, it would be yet another extended opportunity to hit top form and build in the much-needed confidence ahead of the World Cup. For once, too much of tinkering around with the team would be to the team's advantage.