India vs Australia 2019: India's predicted XI for the fourth ODI

The third ODI between India and Australia provided a much-needed breakthrough to Australia. The visitors, after losing the first two games, came to the third ODI with the risk of losing the series. Indian captain Virat Kohli won the toss and elected to field first. Before the game, former captain Dhoni presented the army caps to all the Indian players to pay tribute to the Indian armed forces.

Australia were off to a perfect start. They crossed 100 runs without losing a wicket. Usman Khawaja went on to score his maiden ODI century and Finch got out for 93 runs. Glenn Maxwell played well before he got out to an amazing piece of smart work from Dhoni and Jadeja. Australia posted 313/5 in the 50 overs.

India were off to a bad start yet again as they lost Rohit, Dhawan and Rayudu inside of 30 runs. Kedar and Dhoni had decent partnerships with Kohli, but it wasn't for long. On the other end, Kohli continued with his imperial form and went on to score his 41st ODI century. But he got out soon after the century. India lost the third ODI by 32 runs.

Sanjay Bangar confirmed that former Indian captain Dhoni would be rested for the final two ODI and Kohli also hinted that there would be a few changes in the next two games. Here is the predicted XI for the fourth ODI.

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#1 Top order

Virat Kohli

Indian openers, are not having a great ODI series as they failed in all the three games. Also, Dhawan is yet to find his form from the last six ODIs. So we could expect a change in the opening combo. KL Rahul, who has played really well in the T20I series might be picked ahead of Dhawan.

India have got only two games to test the back-up opener slot before the World Cup. Rohit Sharma would continue to play in the next game. He is a key player for India in the World Cup, so India would want him back in form before the prestigious tournament. Kohli has been amazing at number three in this series, so there won't be any change in the number three slot.

#2 Middle Order

Rishabh Pant

likley

to replace Dhoni

Ambati Rayudu is currently having a horror series. His scores in the first three ODIs are respectively 13, 12 and 2. India might drop him for the fourth ODI to give the opportunity to others.

Vijay Shankar might be promoted to number four, as he is having a good ODI series. He scored decent amount of runs even in the Ranchi ODI. But he needs more time in the middle to establish as a strong middle order batsman. Hence India might push him to number four.

With Dhoni rested for the final two ODIs, Rishabh Pant is expected to be back in the side. He would play at number five. He will get to play both the ODIs and has the great chance to grab the coveted World Cup spot if he performs well in any of the upcoming two games. Kedar Jadhav would continue to play at number six. He is also having a good series as he took a few wickets, and also scored a match-winning 81 in the second ODI.

#3 All-rounder and bowlers

Bhuvneshwar Kumar returns to the squad for the final two ODIs

Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be back for the final three ODIs. He is likely to walk into the playing XI straightaway. India might play him as a bowling all-rounder along with Ravindra Jadeja, who needs to step up his game for the final two games.

India lost the third ODI as they conceded quite a few runs. Hence, they would try to play three fast bowlers. With Bhuvi back in the team, the other two fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami would continue to play in the next game. Kuldeep Yadav might be replaced by Chahal in the next game to give him a few overs before the World Cup.

The three fast bowlers and one spinner, along a couple of all-rounders, would be the ideal combination India looking towards the World Cup. Hence, we could see a similar combination for the final two ODIs.

The fourth ODI between India and Australia will be played at Chandigarh on Sunday.