The team for two T20I matches between India and Australia will be announced on February 15.
The national selection committee is unlikely to make any experiment when they pick the squad for the five-match ODI series against Australia on February 15 in Mumbai. The five-match ODI series will start in Hyderabad on March 2 followed by matches in Nagpur (March 5), Ranchi (March 8), Mohali (March 10) and Delhi (March 13).
However, there may be some experimental decisions in the team for two T20I matches to be played before the ODI series. The matches will played in Visakhapatnam (February 24) and Bengaluru (February 27) and squad will also be announced on the same day.
"There is a possibility that Rohit Sharma may be rested for the two T20 Internationals as Virat Kohli will be back. But when it comes to selecting the ODI squad, there won't be any experiments with only five matches to go," a senior BCCI official privy to selection process told PTI on Tuesday.
If Rohit is rested then KL Rahul is likely to return in his place for the T20Is. Jasprit Bumrah is likely to return after a big break share the pace bowling duties with Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
1. KL Rahul
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KL Rahul
KL Rahul has failed to establish himself in the Indian playing 11 despite being given several chances. However, he is talented player who will could be their best back up option for the two regular openers. He is likely to return to Indian team after being recalled and suspended midway through Australian tour over controversial comments on a TV Show.
2. Shikhar Dhawan
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Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan had a mixed tour Down Under. However, he has been one of India's best players in England in recent years. He is likely to lead India's top order if Rohit is rested. Dhawan can also be rested for few matches of ODI series.
3. Virat Kohli
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Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is set to return and lead India after getting a break in last two ODIs and the T20I series against New Zealand.
4. MS Dhoni
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MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni has come back stronger and shut down his critics with performance in the recent matches. He will India's first choice behind the wickets in World Cup 2019. The selectors will like to give him more playing time to get back in groove.
5. Vijay Shankar
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Vijay Shankar
Vijay Shankar impressed with his batting in some matches against New Zealand. However, he still is far from the all-rounder India is expecting him to be. This series will be his last chance probably.
6. Rishabh Pant
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Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant has joined Dinesh Karthik in contention for the second wicketkeeper slot. He played couple of good knock in New Zealand after a great Test series in Australia.
7. Kedar Jadhav
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Kedar Jadhav
Kedar Jadhav is one of the most useful players in the Indian line up currently. He was not used much in New Zealand T2OIs after playing some good innings against Australia. He is expected to get more chances in this series.
8. Hardik Pandya
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Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya is important for the balance of the side. He has done well in the ODI series against New Zealand after returning from suspension.
9. Krunal Pandya
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Krunal Pandya
Krunal Pandya had a mixed tour of New Zealand. However, the talented all-rounder is expected to get one more chance to showcase his potential.
10. Kuldeep Yadav
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Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav has emerged as the best Indian spinner in limited-overs cricket in last few years. His partnership with Chahal has won India many matches.
11. Yuzvendra Chahal
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Yuzvendra Chahal
Chahal and Yadav have bowled well together. However, they are also competing for the primary spinner spot. This has helped India get the best out of them both.
12. Jasprit Bumrah
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Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah is likely to return after a big break to share the pace bowling duties with Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
13. Mohammed Shami
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Mohammed Shami
Shami was the Player of the Series against New Zealand in ODIs. The pacer has improved a lot in the last few years and will be ready for Australia after a break in the T20Is.
14. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
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Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bhuvenshwar Kumar has been India's workhorse in limited-overs cricket. His swing and knack of picking wickets will be crucial for the team in World Cup 2019. However, he may find himself out of T20I playing against Australia.
15. Khaleel Ahmed
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Khaleel Ahmed
Khaleel Ahmed has both impressed and disappointed during the tour Down Under. However, the best thing about him is that he keeps on picking wickets. He is still the best candidate for the role back up for the pace trio.
