New Delhi: If reports are to be believed, Ravindra Jadeja is almost certain to make the India squad for the Australia tour next month. Besides him, Ishant Sharma is also being touted as a confirmed ticket-holder for the limited overs series Down Under.
Jadeja, 27, made a superb comeback in the recently concluded Freedom Series against South Africa. With India hosting the 2016 ICC T20 World Cup in March-April, wherein the Saurashtra player is expected to play a crucial role, depriving him of match practice will be as bad as leaving out any other match winner.
In between, Ishant Sharma - who bowled his out in the two Test series in Sri Lanka and against South Africa is prime for another limited overs stint, specially considering how bad Indian pacers fared against the Proteas.
Besides the two, Mohammed Shami is also expected to make the cut, unless any fitness issue crops in. Recent reports had claimed that the 25-year-old has recovered fully from knee surgery.
But don't be surprise if old war-horse Yuvraj Singh returns to the national fold after an impressive Vijay Hazare tournament, so far. His arrival, if at all happens, will surely provide the Indian team that much needed fire-power. And the Aussies are known to be Yuvi's favourite opponents.
Unlike the bowling department, as usual, Indian batting line-up is settled and expected to have the regular names to done again. Yes, Shikhar Dhawan seemed to have hit a rough patch, and in his place or as an support, Murali Vijay can come in.
Not to mention, despite losing both the One Day International and Twenty20 International series to South Africa, Mahendra Singh Dhoni is certain to the lead the team.
The Indian squad for the tour of Australia for five One-Day Internationals and three Twenty20 Internationals will be picked in Delhi on Saturday.
Here's the probable 15 for the tour, also with those who would have forced the selectors to deliberate on their chances.
Batsmen: Shikhar Dhawan, Murali Vijay, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni
In contention: Robin Uttappa, Shreyas Iyer, Ambati Rayudu
Spinners: Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja
In contention: Amit Mishra, Harbhajan
All-rounder: Stuart Binny, Gurkeerat Singh Mann
In contention: Yuvraj Singh
Pace bowlers: Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Varun Aaron
In contention: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohit Sharma
