Australia vs India 2018-19: 5 players who could decide India's fate in the ODI series

Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli

The Test series is done and dusted, and it is now time to shift focus to the 50-over game. India will face Australia in three ODI matches starting from 12th January, and the visitors would have to be wary of a strong comeback from the hurting hosts.

Here is a look at 5 Indian players who could have a big say in the result of the ODI series:

1. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli, the best batsman in the world at the moment, would be looking to repeat his magic numbers from 2018 in 2019. Though that would be difficult, considering the superhuman he has turned into, I wouldn't be surprised if he even betters those numbers.

In 28 matches played against Australia, Kohli has notched up 1182 runs at an average of 51.39 with 5 hundreds and 5 half centuries. A in-form Kohli can take the series away from Australia's reach.

2. Rohit Sharma

The deputy to Kohli and the best opener in the world, Rohit Sharma will be itching to score against his favourite opposition. Just like his skipper, Rohit had an amazing 2018 and will be looking forward to 2019.

In 28 matches played against Australia, he has scored 1593 runs at an average of 66.38 with 6 hundreds, 5 half centuries and a double hundred. Now a father, the Hitman needs no more motivation to destroy Australia.

3. Jasprit Bumrah

Arguably the best bowler in world cricket at the moment, 'boom boom' Bumrah would be looking forward to giving nightmares to the Aussie batsmen the way he did in the Test series.

Bumrah made his debut against Australia in the 2015-16 series and hasn't looked back since. All of his fans would be expecting him to nail those yorkers once again as India look to complete the tour on a high.

4. Shikhar Dhawan

Like Rohit and Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan also had a 2018 to remember. He along with Rohit and Kohli form India's 'tridev' who have done the bulk of the scoring for India in the last three years.

Dhawan has played 15 matches against Australia scoring 626 runs at an average of 44.71, making 2 hundreds and 4 half centuries in the process. The southpaw would be raring to go after being left out of the Test squad against Australia.

5. Kuldeep Yadav

India's best bowler last year and Kohli's trump card for providing him with breakthroughs, the unorthodox Kuldeep would again be very important.

Throughout the T20 series Australia found it difficult to read him off the hand, throwing their wickets away in the process. Kuldeep is a match-winner on his day and Australia need to be wary of him.

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