Former Australia captain Aaron Finch has shared his predictions ahead of the three-match ODI series against India, expressing confidence that his former side can narrowly edge out the visitors in what promises to be a thrilling contest.
India’s Leadership Change
The series marks a significant shift for India as Shubman Gill takes over as ODI captain, replacing Rohit Sharma. The 26-year-old will lead a strong 15-member squad that also includes Rohit and Virat Kohli, both of whom are expected to provide guidance and experience to the young skipper.
Rohit’s inclusion ensures a steadying presence, while Kohli’s return to the ODI arena—his first international appearance since the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year—adds further depth to India’s batting lineup.
Finch’s Series Prediction
Speaking from Colombo during his commentary stint at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, Finch reflected on the expected battle Down Under:
“It will be a great series. It always is against India, and I think having Virat back brings out the best in him against Australia. On paper, it’s very evenly matched, but I’d say Australia take it 2-1—not confidently though, as India are a fantastic side.”
Finch highlighted the competitive nature of the series and noted that while Australia might have a slight edge, the contest is expected to be closely fought and entertaining for fans.
Gill’s Captaincy Debut
Finch is particularly interested in observing Shubman Gill’s leadership in his first ODI series as captain. He praised Gill’s prior experience in T20 and Test cricket, noting his calm approach and tactical acumen.
“Shubman has already shown what a good leader he is in T20 and Test cricket, so I’m sure this will be no different. Having Rohit and Virat alongside him will give him confidence and guidance—on and off the field—which is invaluable for a young captain.”
The Australian legend also emphasized that Gill’s prior performances, including his leadership during India’s Test series against England, showcase his ability to make decisive calls and manage pressure situations.
India ODI Squad
- Captain: Shubman Gill
- Batsmen: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Yashasvi Jaiswal
- All-rounders: Axar Patel, Washington Sundar
- Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna
- Wicketkeeper: Dhruv Jurel
Series Schedule
- 1st ODI: October 19, Perth
- 2nd ODI: October 23, Adelaide
- 3rd ODI: October 25, Sydney
Finch’s prediction sets the stage for an exciting series as India looks to adapt to new leadership while Australia seeks to capitalize on home advantage. Cricket fans can expect a closely contested series with key battles between seasoned veterans and emerging stars.