Following their resounding victory in the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka, the Indian cricket team is set to regroup and prepare for the upcoming ODI series against Australia. The team will convene in Mohali on September 20, with the first match of the three-game series slated to take place there.
Retention of Asia Cup-Winning Squad
The squad for the Australia series has yet to be officially announced, but it is highly probable that the triumphant Asia Cup team will be retained. However, there might be an addition in the spin bowling department due to Axar Patel’s injury.
In the absence of Axar Patel during the Asia Cup final, Washington Sundar filled in admirably. Now, there could be a selection dilemma between Sundar and R Ashwin for the spinning all-rounder role. Despite missing out on the XI for the Super 4 stage and the final of the Asia Cup 2023, Shreyas Iyer is expected to retain his place in the squad. Captain Rohit Sharma confirmed that Shreyas is nearly 99 percent fit and emphasized that his fitness is not a cause for concern.
Australia’s Squad: Return of Key Players
Australia has already announced its squad for the ODI series against India. Pat Cummins will lead the team, marking his return after missing the South Africa tour. Senior players like Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, and Steve Smith are also set to make their comebacks after recovering from injuries.
Travis Head, who sustained a left-hand fracture during the fourth ODI against South Africa, faces a tight deadline to be fit for the World Cup. Surgery is being considered as one of the options for the opening batter. His availability for the World Cup, commencing in three weeks, remains uncertain.
