India v Australia, 5th ODI - India's predicted XI

After winning 9 games in a row, India had a chance to make history by winning 10 on the trot in Bangalore, but the Aussies had other ideas. Powered by David Warner’s first century in India and Aaron Finch’s 94, they posted a mammoth 334 on board and their bowlers just about managed to register a 21-run victory.

MS Dhoni coming in at number 7 didn’t go down well with the pundits and fans, but Kohli backed his decision in the press conference. A new era is about to dawn in Indian cricket as Hardik Pandya is the new number 4 according to the skipper and it’ll be interesting to see how this decision pans out in the times to come.

As of now, the experimentation phase for the 2019 World Cup is promising a lot, but nothing can be said currently. Seniors Ravindra Jadeja and Ravi Ashwin will find it difficult to make a re-entry in the ODI squad as Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav are making a strong case for themselves.

Nevertheless, the fans are happy with a fact that there’s an awful lot of talent on the bench as well, which is exactly what determines the strength of team. This has been an enthralling series thus far and players from both the sides will be looking forward to finish with a bang at Nagpur.

Here’s the predicted XI of the Indian side for the final One-Dayer

Openers (Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane)

The duo registered two century stands together this series and are looking well set to grab another at the Jamtha. Rohit Sharma and Rahane have amassed 183 and 171 runs each this series respectively, providing the much needed stability at the top for the side. Kohli will now have a tough job on coming to a decision on Rahane when Shikhar Dhawan will comeback into the side.

Middle-order (Virat Kohli, Manish Pandey and Kedar Jadhav)

There’s a whole lot of talent in the middle order, but consistency is something Virat Kohli will be expecting from Kedar Jadhav and Manish Pandey. Pandey has been fraternizing in unchartered territories this series as he had to bat at number 5 and 6 at times. But he’s adapted well and scored a crucial knock at Indore during the run chase.

Jadhav fired in the last game after a little gap and he’s back at what he does best. He picked up the crucial wicket of David Warner with the ball, which increases his worth in the team. Virat Kohli at number 3 has been terrific this season and he would love to break Ponting’s record this game with a hundred against one of his arch rivals.

MS Dhoni (Wicket- Keeper)

The living legend of Indian cricket, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been in good touch offlate, but he’s not getting an opportunity to bat at positions which are compatible to his 2.0 version. Behind the stumps, he’s been as brilliant as he was during his early stages of the career and his fitness levels often amazes people.

All-rounders (Hardik Pandya)

The highest run scorer this series, Hardik Pandya is growing in stature with every passing game. The ease with which he clobbers the ball into the stands and the way he manages to provide crucial wickets at regular intervals for his skipper makes him a million-dollar asset for Kohli and it’ll be interesting to see how he uses him in the final ODI.

Spinners (Yuzvendra Chahal and Axar Patel)

After some consistent performances at the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Yuzvendra Chahal has established a place for himself in the good books of both the selectors and the skipper. He will be pairing with Axar Patel in the final game, just the he did in the 4th ODI. Both of them conceded a lot of runs at Bangalore and picked up no wickets. They’ll be eager to pick up some wickets at Nagpur, which often provides a lot of support for spinners.

Fast bowlers (Umesh Yadav and Mohammad Shami)

Two of the best fast bowlers in the country currently, Mohammad Shami ad Umesh Yadav got a place in the squad after quite a gap. They seemed a bit rusty initially, but they picked up well and showed what they are capable of. Both these supremely talented speedsters will keep their place in the side for the final encounter as Virat will be eager to see how much strength lies on his bench.