India vs Australia | Hemang Badani advises India to rest MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma

After winning the first ODI in Hyderabad, the Indian cricket team will be playing the second game against the Aussies in Nagpur today. In the first game, Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav starred in the run-chase and give India a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. As it is the last international series before the 2019 ICC World Cup, the team management is also looking forward to getting the combination right for the team selection ahead of the global event. 

Former India cricketer Badani has stated that India should focus on finding the players to play in the World Cup. He stressed on the importance of resting Dhoni ahead of the second ODI and play Pant to figure out the second keeper in the side. 

"I have believed that the series is not just about winning or losing but also more about finding the side for the World Cup and we still haven't figured out our second wicketkeeper. I would say give Rishabh Pant the game and at the same time, I would say if possible give Dhoni a rest. He has been batting beautifully. He is your number one keeper for sure. He has enough cricket coming up in IPL,” Badani told ESPNCricinfo.

India went with the regular opening combination of Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma in the first ODI. Rahul, who got back to the team and looked in very good touch during the T20Is is yet to get chance in the 50-over format in 2019. Badani has advised to keep Rohit out of the playing XI and try out Rahul at the top of the order against Australia. 

“Also, give KL Rahul a go. He has done good in the T20I contest. Again India still hasn't figured out the third opener. Everyone knows that Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan are the top two openers, but we still haven't figured out our third opener. Give Rohit Sharma a break and also give Dhoni a BREAK,” said Badani.