India. (Photo by MUNIR UZ ZAMAN/AFP via Getty Images)

After registering a series win against the Aussies in the red-ball format, the Men in Blue will aim to dominate the rival side in the three-match ODI series. Team India are without their regular skipper Rohit Sharma for the first ODI, however, stand-in captain Hardik Pandya has been quite impressive as a leader.

Similarly, Steve Smith is set to lead the Aussies after regular skipper Pat Cummins headed back home owing to family reasons. Both sides have produced scintillating matches across all formats and the forthcoming ODI series will be no less.

Speaking about their head-to-head records in the ODIs, a total of 143 matches have been played between the two heavyweights. Australia have a massive upper hand as they have emerged victorious in 80 ODIs. On the other hand, India have triumphed in 53 games. The two sides square off in the first 50-over clash at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Friday, March 17. Moreover, both teams will look to find their combinations right and get their core team just in time for the 2023 ODI World Cup which will be played later on in India.

IND vs AUS Match Details:

Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

Date & Time: March 17, 01:30 PM IST

Telecast & Streaming Details: Star Sports Network and Disney+Hotstar

IND vs AUS Pitch Report:

The surface at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai is fairly balanced. The wicket assists the pacers early in the contest and spinners will get some help as the game progresses. Batters will look to make maximum use of the short dimensions of the ground to get a competitive total. Either skipper winning the toss may elect to field first.  

IND vs AUS Probable Playing XIs

India (IND):

Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya (c), Ravindra Jadeja, Thakur, Siraj, Umran Malik, Kuldeep Yadav

Australia (AUS):

David Warner, Travis Head, Steve Smith (c), Mitchell Marsh, Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Ashton Agar, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc, Sean Abbot

IND vs AUS Probable Best Performers

Probable best batter

Shubman Gill:

23-year-old Shubman Gill took New Zealand by storm in the ODI series in January this year with his scintillating batting performances. He scored a double-century and a ton in two of the three ODIs and will be gunning to keep getting vitals runs in the forthcoming clash against the Aussies.

Probable best bowler

Adam Zampa:

Zampa returns to the Australian setup after an impressive outing with New South Wales in the Marsh Cup. The leggie got four wickets in last two outings in the One-Day format and will look to play an integral role with the ball against the Men in Blue.

Today’s Match Prediction: Chasing team to win the match

Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.