In the second ODI, at the Adelaide Oval, on Thursday, October 23, Australia won by 2 wickets which gave it the three match series 2-0. It was a tight battle till the end, but Australia managed to keep their nerve to finish the chase and win another series at home.
The outcome is that India will be forced to reconsider their balance and tactics in the last ODI. The experimentations done in the first two games have not been successful as anticipated and the management may now seek more experimentations to achieve improved outcome.
A long schedule of white-ball games is ahead of her with five match T20I series against Australia and another limited series against South Africa, then workload will be a central point. Experienced players such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli may be required to have rest so that they can be fresh to handle new tasks.
Only one day is the difference between Adelaide and Sydney ODIs, thus India can decide to rotate. Introducing new faces or fresh performers may be able to get the Men in Blue to complete the series on a positive note and get some momentum before the next round of matches.
1. Prasidh Krishna in the name of Harshit Rana
Harshit Rana has been given a chance and has performed well but he still requires time to adapt to the longer formats. He started very well at Adelaide, but failed in his latter overs, losing his head and delivering too many short balls which were easily punished. The later cramping during his spell was not useful either as his economy rate shot higher above seven runs per over.
Rana could also be given a rest in Sydney ODI and it would be a good thing to consider because he will also be involved in the following T20I series. This could be replaced by Prasidh Krishna who has not yet taken part in this tour. His added spring and better precision will allow him to work well against the powerful batting team of Australia.
2. Arshdeep Singh in favor of Prasidh Krishna
In case the management of the team believes that it is prudent to grant Harshit Rana a second chance, it will be wiser to give Arshdeep Singh a rest. India has had the best pacer in the series in Arshdeep who has also exhibited fatigue and cramps in Adelaide. He has a good schedule in the coming years with a T20I series, and the T20 world cup next year, so keeping him fresh is of significance.
Prasidh Krishna may replace this game, which provides pace and bounce that may be of trouble to the Australians. It would also provide India with an opportunity of handling the workload of Arshdeep as they test another bowler before the next games.
3. Kuldeep Yadav as a substitute of Washington Sundar
Washington Sundar is an effective utility man, though not a bat man who has been influential to the extent of earning a spot at the No. 7 position. Although he is adding the level, India would do better with the wicket-taking skills of Kuldeep Yadav who has the capability of transforming matches with his spinning.
Kuldeep has been performing in recent times and needs an opportunity in the playing XI. The surface of Sydney is typically spin-supportive which ought to be ideally fitting to Sydney. He has been successful in the Asia Cup and recent Tests and it seems to be the correct move to get him back into the side.
