IND vs AUS 3rd ODI: 5 Player Battles To Watch Out For 

image-ln076nu4Virat Kohli | Source: X.com

The 3rd and final ODI match between India and Australia will be played on Wednesday, September 27 at Saurashtra Cricket Stadium, Rajkot.

Having convincingly won the first two ODI matches against Australia, Team India now holds an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. 

Although the third ODI is considered a dead rubber, Team India is eager to maintain their winning streak and gather momentum for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023. 

However, before we head into the game, let's take a look at the top five player battles:

Virat Kohli vs Adam Zampa

Virat Kohli, who was rested for the first two ODIs against Australia, is set to make his comeback in the team for the third match. His main challenge in facing the Australian bowlers will come from Adam Zampa, who seems to be his kryptonite, getting him out five times in ODIs, even though Kohli managed to score 230 runs off 209 balls against him. 

Virat Kohli vs Adam Zampa in ODIs: 209 Balls, 230 Runs, 5 Dismissals


Steve Smith vs Mohammed Shami

image-ln06jka6Steve Smith | Source: X.com

Steve Smith, the Australian cricket icon, had a tough time in the second ODI in Indore, getting out for a golden duck to pacer Prasidh Krishna. He's eager to bounce back in the upcoming game, but he faces a daunting task against Mohammed Shami, who has dismissed him four times in ODIs. Smith has only managed to score 118 runs off 109 balls against Shami. 

Steve Smith vs Mohammed Shami in ODIs: 109 Balls, 118 Runs, 4 Dismissals


Rohit Sharma vs Pat Cummins

image-ln06ea6aIndia captain Rohit Sharma | Source: X.com

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma is set to make a return to the team for the third ODI after being rested for the first two matches. His major test awaits against the Australian captain, Pat Cummins, who has dismissed him twice in ODIs with the Mumbai batter amassing 160 runs from 219 balls he faced from the Australia pacer. 

Rohit Sharma vs Pat Cummins in ODIs: 219 Balls, 160 Runs, 2 Dismissals


David Warner vs R Ashwin 

image-ln06g4vhWarner batting right handed vs Ashwin | Source: X.com

Following the drama of the last match, one player battle that promises excitement is between Australian opener David Warner and India's experienced spinner R Ashwin. 

In the previous game held in Indore, Warner, known for his left-handed batting, pulled off a surprise by switching to a right-handed stance to take on Ashwin's spin. He did score a boundary this way, but Ashwin had the final word by getting him out in the very next over. 

David Warner vs R Ashwin in ODIs: 50 Balls, 45 Runs, 1 Dismissals


Suryakumar Yadav vs Cameron Green

Suryakumar Yadav, who faced considerable pressure in the ODIs, finally answered the call with back-to-back centuries against Australia in the last two matches.  

His performance in the previous Indore match was nothing short of spectacular, as he unleashed some iconic shots across the ground. 

Suryakumar Yadav left the Australian bowlers, especially the tall all-rounder Cameron Green, scratching their heads. He will be looking to continue his dominance in the upcoming game. 

Suryakumar vs Cameron Green in ODIs: 16 Balls, 44 Runs, 0 Dismissals