Harshit Rana and...? Players who have to prove a point in AUS vs IND ODI series

Harshit Rana [Source: AFP Photos]

The much-anticipated Australia vs. India ODI series starts on October 18, and fans of both sides are excited for the 'toughest rivalry.' The three-match ODI and five-match T20I tour will continue till November 8, with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma returning for the Men in Blue after the Champions Trophy campaign.

While fans and experts alike are excited for the glorious action in the ODI clashes, there is a grey cloud hanging over a few players. Players, for whom the ODI series will be a tough one, since they have a lot at stake if they get a chance in the Playing XI. Here's a look at three of these players who have a point to prove in the AUS vs IND ODI series.

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1) Harshit Rana

Harshit Rana has been at the receiving end ever since India revealed their ODI squad for the Australia tour. Fans have been criticising the 23-year-old because of a supposedly 'unfair' selection. The KKR pacer had his debut back in February 2025, and to be fair, he actually has numbers that cannot be thrown down the drain.

(Harshit Rana's ODI stats)

It is a fact that people are trolling and criticising him over his selection because of the alleged 'Gambhir-bias,' and it only makes sense if he proves his worth with the ball now. Harshit lacks experience, but everyone starts from zero. Hence, if he wants to brush off his 'favouritism' tag, he will have to stand his ground.

2) Marnus Labuschagne

Labuschagne found his spot in Australia ODIs as Cameron Green was ruled out just days ahead of the first ODI. It was more of a luck for the out-of-favour Australian batter now. This can be Labuschagne's redemption arc since his horrible run in 2025.

Labuschagne last featured in an ODI series against South Africa in August, where he managed to have figures of 1,1. In 2025, out of 7 matches, he managed to score only 93 runs at an average of 18.60, which is his lowest ODI average to date since his debut back in 2020. 

(Labuschagne's 2024-25 ODI stats)

Labuschagne's only testimonial behind his selction is likely his recent form in County Cricket, where he scored consecutive tons for Queensland. He will be aiming to keep this form to script a good comeback for the Men in Yellow.

3) Travis Head

Travis Head has been on and off with his form in ODIs. In the third South Africa ODI, back in August, he scored 142 runs, but the other two matches of the series saw scores of 6 and 27. In his most recent international outings, he had figures of 31, 5, and 8 against New Zealand, which, again, doesn't scream consistency.

(Travis Head's batting averages in ODIs)

With Travis's record against India as the 'monster' he is, Head will again get an opportunity to salvage his name as the 'destroyer', which, for the beginning of the 2025 season, sounded more like a misnomer for the left-handed Aussie opener.

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