Team India will begin their World Cup 2023 prep at home in the upcoming ODI series against Australia.

India’s build up to the series has been muddled with injury, with Shreyas Iyer, and Jasprit Bumrah all ruled out of action. Hardik Pandya will lead the side with Rohit Sharma also set to miss the 1st ODI, opening the door for Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav

The Men in Blue play Australia in a three-match ODI series starting at the Wankhede on March 17. In a big blow, captain Rohit Sharma will miss the Wankhede ODI due to a family function.

In Rohit’s absence, Hardik Pandya will lead the side. Pandya is the de facto T20I skipper and the ODI team vice-captain after a stellar comeback last year.

Rohit’s absence opens the door for Ishan Kishan, who will partner with Shubman Gill at the top of the order. The latter has been in red-hot form across all formats while Kishan is no stranger having scored a double hundred back in December.

Despite Rohit’s absence, KL Rahul will continue to bat in the middle order. The 29-year-old has struggled for form but has a commendable record batting lower down the order. With Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer both ruled out, the onus will be on the Karnataka man to hold the innings together.

Tags :Australia tour of India 2023Hardik PandyaRohit Sharma