India vs Australia 3rd ODI:- Shardul, Pandey ,Kuldeep in? A look at changes in playing X1

Team India may be changing 2-3 players in the playing XI for the third ODI against Australia after losing their first two matches continuously.

The Indian cricket team was losing the first two ODIs against Australia by comprehensive margins.because of opening partnership,absence of wickets in the powerplay, lack of 6th bowling options are some of the issues that the team is struggling. With the hopes of, there are a few changes that are likely to be made in the third ODI.

Mayank Agarwal was taken responsibility to open the innings with Shikhar Dhawan in the absence of Rohit Sharma but he hasn't yet managed to impress. In the third ODI, skipper Virat Kohli could think about playing KL Rahul as an opener once again. 

If Rahul is indeed promoted top of the order, Mayank could be replaced either Manish Pandey in the batting unit or an extra bowler. The chances of the latter are higher keeping in mind how badly the Indian bowling unit has been giving runs in the series so far.

Kuldeep in place of Chahal?

Kuldeep has not been in the best of form of late but the nature of the pitches might suit the chinaman. The bounce Australian pitches traditionally produce more bounce which could suit Kuldeep considering his action and bowling style.

There's also an outside chance of T Natarajan being given the nod in place of Navdeep Saini in the playing XI considering how ineffective the latter has been in the two completed ODIs of late.

Shardul as 6th bowling option?

In terms of a 6th bowling option, Sharul Thakur remains the most viable option for the tourists. The Mumbaikar isn't just a capable bowler who had shown form in his most recent outings for the Men in Blue but is also a capable batsman who can hit runs in the slog overs.

Lack of wickets in the powerplays has been a big issue for India, especially with to Jasprit Bumrah who seems to be struggling the most. Before the start of the series, Kohli had even said that he could be rotating Bumrah and Shami in the limited-overs series so that they could play a central role in the forthcoming Tests. Keeping that in mind, Bumrah could even be rested in the final ODI.

Another change that is likely to be brought in is in the spin department. With Ravindra Jadeja being an all-rounder, Kohli simply can't afford to bench him. As for Yuzvendra Chahal, the wrist-spinner could make way for Kuldeep Yadav for a place in the playing XI.

India's Playing XI for 3rd ODI may be:Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah/Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Navdeep Saini/T Natarajan