India vs Australia 2019: 4 changes India should make for the 4th ODI

After winning the first two matches, Team India suffered a defeat in the 3rd ODI played at Ranchi. After putting into bat first by Virat Kohli, Australia put up a challenging score of 313. Considering the good batting conditions and India's strong batting line-up, the home side was expected to chase down the big total.

But except Virat Kohli, the other Indian batsmen failed to live up to the expectations. With the World Cup inching closer, many of the players in the team are still fighting for a place in India's World Cup squad.

Thus the team management might drop players who have failed in the series so far. Also, this being India's last ODI series before the World Cup, the players who have warmed the bench so far, might be given a couple of opportunities to present their case ahead of the World Cup. Apart from getting the perfect combination for the World Cup, Kohli will also want to wrap up the series at Mohali.

Here are 4 changes Team India should make for the 4th ODI:

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#4 Bhuvneshwar Kumar in place of Mohammed Shami

Bhuvi had a good time in the ODI series against Australia in Australia

Bhuvneshwar Kumar was rested for the T20 series and the first two matches of the ODI series. Bhuvi has been an integral part of India's limited overs squads for quite some time now. Despite being available for the 3rd ODI, Bhuvi was kept out in favour of Mohammed Shami.

The latter has enjoyed a good run of form in ODIs off late. After winning the Man-of-the-Series award in New Zealand, the pacer had a couple of decent outings in the first two ODIs against Australia. However, he leaked too many runs in the death overs in the third ODI. Shami is surely going to be part of India's World Cup squad but it is also necessary to give Bhuvneshwar Kumar some game time before the World Cup.

#3 Rishabh Pant in place of Ambati Rayudu

Pant should be given a chance to prove his ODI credentials

One of the biggest talking points ahead of the World Cup squad selection is India's middle-order. Ambati Rayudu seemed to have sealed the number four spot in the batting line-up, but unfortunately his form has slumped in the ODI series against Australia.

Rayudu has looked completely out of sorts and has put himself in danger of missing out from the World Cup team. Rayudu's loss can be Rishabh Pant's gain. Pant was included in the side against Australia at the expense of the experienced Dinesh Karthik. But to consider Pant for the World Cup, he should first get a chance in the playing XI. The fight for a couple of spots in the middle order has opened up after Rayudu's poor show in the first three ODIs. It will be interesting to see if Pant can use this opportunity to seal a spot in the World Cup bound squad.

#2 Yuzvendra Chahal in place of Ravindra Jadeja

Chahal's inclusion will strengthen India's bowling

Ravindra Jadeja wasn't part of the original ODI squad against Australia and was included only when Hardik Pandya was ruled out of the series. This was considered Jadeja's last chance to put his claim for a World Cup spot, but unfortunately the all-rounder has failed to make full use of this opportunity. While he has been average with the ball, Jadeja's lacklustre batting performance can let him down. Batting at 8, Jadeja has struggled to hit big shots and with Vijay Shankar doing exceptionally well, it is highly unlikely that Jadeja will be included in the World Cup squad.

Jadeja might have to make way for Yuzvendra Chahal, who has been in rich vein of form but has been kept out of the side for the balance of the side. But with the series on the line, Chahal can make a comeback in the playing XI.

#1 KL Rahul in place of Shikhar Dhawan

KL Rahul can replace Dhawan in the top order

India's opening pair has been its biggest strength in the recent past. Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma have given some spectacular starts to the Indian team. However, both these batsmen's performances have been underwhelming in the current ODI series. Especially Shikhar Dhawan's extended lean patch in ODIs is a sign of worry for Team India. The southpaw has scored just 22 runs in 3 innings against Australia and his poor shot selection has attracted much criticism.

With the likes of KL Rahul breathing down his neck, Shikhar Dhawan can ill afford these poor scores. After missing out on quite a few matches due to off-field controversies, Rahul made an impressive comeback in the T20 series. The stylish right-handed batsman's strong technique and his good form might make him a top contender to replace Dhawan in India's top order.