The first ODI will be played in Perth on October 19.
The three-match ODI series between India and Australia is all set to get underway on Sunday (October 18) at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
On the eve of the series opener, former all-rounder Irfan Pathan unveiled his India playing XI. He picked new captain Shubman Gill to open alongside the returning Rohit Sharma, followed by another stalwart in Virat Kohli.
The likes Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul completed the middle-order for Irfan, while Nitish Kumar Reddy and Axar Patel were the two all-rounders in his side.
Kuldeep Yadav featured in Pathan’s team as the premier spinner, with Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh to lead the pace attack. He also called for the inclusion of young pacer Harshit Rana, emphasizing the 23-year-old's ability with the bat as well.
"I think Harshit will play. He is the only bowler in this unit who can also bat. I think he will be promoted to the number eight position. I see him in that position as the third fast bowler. It will be an opportunity for him also to perform," Irfan said on his YouTube channel.
The cricketer-turned-commentator reckons that the series against Australia will be a great learning curve for Gill, due to the presence of Rohit and Kohli.
"India will be under a new leader. They will play under Shubman Gill. A big challenge for Gill will be with how much respect he moves forward with Rohit Sharma. This is very important. A lot depends on how much respect juniors give the seniors. I am sure Gill respects both Rohit and Virat. It will be important to see how you can take Rohit forward irrespective of his performance. This will be a challenge on the field and off the field," Pathan remarked.
Irfan Pathan's India XI for Perth ODI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (vc), KL Rahul (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj