IND vs AUS, 3rd ODI- Top Captain and Vice-captain Picks

image-ln00az8jMarnus Labuschagne will be a crucial player for Australia in the 3rd ODI (Source: AP Photos)

The final ODI for both India and Australia ahead of the 2023 World Cup will be staged in the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot. The series lies 2-0 in favour of India at the moment and they would be looking to clinch a whitewash now. 

Australia were below par with the ball especially, leaking a plenty of runs in both the ODIs. Overall, they conceded 680 runs in just a  couple of ODI games. Yes, the side were devoid of Mitchell Starc in both games, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood each were rested for one game. Also, there was no Glenn Maxwell to regulate the middle overs in the subcontinent conditions. However, the surfaces were conducive to the batters yet the Aussies failed to make the most out of it. 

They would be hoping that Starc and Maxwell comes back fit into the XI, get some game time before the mega-event that starts next month. In addition, Pat Cummins may be seen leading the nation once again with Mitch Marsh and Marcus Stoinis joining the frame. 

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On the flip side, Indian team will have their original World Cup squad for this game with Ravichandran Ashwin and Washington Sundar as the additional members. The side is likely to be lead by Rohit Sharma and shall boast the presence of Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah. 

The latter missed the second ODI and had to go back home but is expected to make the cut for the final match of the bilateral series. In contrary, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, Mukesh Kumar, etc are not a part of the squad anymore. 

If the overview for the match was done, let us quickly deep dive into the fantasy cricket aspect and have a look at the best captain and vice-captain options for this match.


IND vs AUS, 3rd ODI: Venue Analysis

Rajkot is known as a high-scoring venue and once again runs might be piled up in excess. The toss winning skipper may look to bat first on this pitch as the bowlers tend to get a little assistance at the second innings provided there's no dew.


IND vs AUS, 3rd ODI- Toss Factor 

Toss is a definite factor in this venue. If there's chance of dew later the winning skipper may field first else choosing to bat first should be the go-to option. For now let us look at the variable options as per the condition.

Scenario: If Australia wins the toss 

Australia haven't been pretty clear with the decision during the toss as things did not go in their way as expected. But they may opt to bat first after losing the game while trying to chase a mammoth total. In that case, David Warner, Steve Smith and Ravichandran Ashwin will be key for captain and vice-captain options.

Scenario: If India wins the toss 

If the hosts win the toss, they may look to bat first. And in that case, Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul can be a great option for captain and vice-captain.


IND vs AUS, 3rd ODI- Top Captain and Vice-captain options 

If Australia bats first first 

David Warner 

'The Bull' is the highest run-getter for Australia in the series. He has notched up 105 runs in just two innings. He has been good with the starts for Australia but failed to convert it into a big score. Warner has been innovative against the spinners and always love to score runs in India. 

 Suryakumar Yadav

The ongoing bilateral series will be very close to Surya's heart. He found his form back in the ODI style of play and that too on a winning note. The Mumbaikar has garnered 122 runs from two innings thus far in the bilateral contests. 'Surya 2.0' has been a threat to the Aussie bowlers and Cameron Green getting whacked for four consecutive sixes in the second ODI is an epitome of it.


If India bats first 

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli will be seen playing for India in the third and final ODI. He was in pretty good touch during the Asia Cup and also enjoys batting against Australia. Kohli becomes a pretty decent choice as the captain or vice-captain for the match. 

KL Rahul

The Karnataka batter was brilliant as a captain leading from the front in both matches against the Kangaroos. KL Rahul has been a revelation at no. 4 position for the team in this format and his value behind the stumps also comes handy with respective to fantasy points.


IND vs AUS, 3rd ODI- Big Risk, Big Return Choice

Marnus Labuschagne

The South Africa-born cricketer who represents Australia was outstanding with the bat at the start of the ODI series against South Africa a few weeks back. But he seems to have lost his groove all of a sudden. He was pruned from the World Cup squad and this should be his last opportunity before the blockbuster event to prove his worth in the XI.