India vs Australia 2019: India announce squad for ODI series

BCCI has announced the squads for the five-match ODI series against Australia, starting March 2. Dinesh Karthik has been left out, while KL Rahul makes a return.

The squads have been split into two, for the first two ODIs (in Hyderabad and Nagpur), and the last three ODIs (Ranchi, Mohali and Delhi).

Virat Kohli will captain the team for all five games.

While several media reports had suggested that Rohit Sharma might be rested for at least a portion of the series, he has been named the vice-captain for the entire series. Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be rested for the first two ODIs, but will return for the final three games. He will replace Kaul in the 15 for the final three games. Left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed has been left out as well.

Vijay Shankar, who showed his ability with the bat higher up the order in New Zealand, is in the squad along with the other all-rounder Hardik Pandya, while the spin attack will be led by the duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been named the designated wicket-keeper in both teams, which has no Dinesh Karthik in it. Karthik was part of the team that played ODIs in Australia and New Zealand, and has been replaced by KL Rahul, whose last ODI was against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup in 2018.

The five-match series will be preceded by a two-match T20I series, with the first game to be played on February 24.

India’s squad for 1st and 2nd ODI against Australia: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma (vc), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MSD (wk), Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohamed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Vijay Shankar, Rishabh Pant, Siddharth Kaul, KL Rahul

India's squad for the final 3 ODIs: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma (VC), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MSD (wk), Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Vijay Shankar, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant