India captain Virat Kohli said that Ajinkya Rahane will open alongside Shikhar Dhawan in the upcoming five-match ODI series starting on Friday.
As far as the Indian team is concerned, even a 3-0 result against the hosts will not be enough for the second-placed side to claim the number one spot in the ICC rankings, while a favourable outcome for the home team will boost its qualifying chances for the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy.
India, on Sunday, celebrated their historic ODI series win over New Zealand by raising chants of 'How's the JOSH', a famous dialogue from the Bollywood movie 'Uri-The Surgical Strike.'
Shikhar Dhawan scored a century in his 100th One-Day International but scintillating South Africa claimed a five-wicket Duckworth-Lewis victory in a thrilling rain-curtailed clash at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on Saturday.
Opener Shikhar Dhawan believes the Indian ODI team now has the right balance and x-factor to succeed anywhere, holding the number one side in good stead ahead of the 2019 World Cup in England.
The management was keen on Agarwal as the leader even before the auction.
India have uncapped players like pacer Avesh Khan, leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi in the squad and Rathour said the focus is more on winning the series than giving chance to the youngsters.
He might be relishing the role of an opener but Indian batsman Shikhar Dhawan says scoring runs has not been easy in one-dayers ever since the introduction of new rules.
Moving away from the mundane fielding drills, Team India tried something unique in Perth as they were involved in a 75-minute fielding session.
IMAGES from the 3rd and final T20I played in Bengaluru on Sunday
Wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav tormented New Zealand again as India coasted to a 90-run victory in the second one-day international at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Saturday to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
Rajneesh Gupta gives us all the numbers to tell us how the Indian skipper creates new record after record.
Who do you think should be part of India's playing XI for Wednesday's must-win second ODI against Bangladesh?
Images from Monday's Indian Premier League match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals, in Abu Dhabi.
Many seniors including captain Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul are all set to be rested for the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa, with an eye on the marquee tour of England in July.
The injury-hit Indian team brought in left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav as they aim to salvage some pride in the third and final ODI against Bangladesh on Saturday.
Virat Kohli was frustrated to be dismissed three runs short of his century but another fine captain's knock inspired India on their best batting day of the series in the third Test against England at Trent Bridge on Saturday.
The susceptible technique of Indian batsmen in seamer-friendly conditions was thoroughly exposed as Sri Lanka comfortably beat India by seven wickets in the first ODI of the three-match series.
The Indians wrapped up the New Zealand 'A' second innings for 153 on the third day of the four-day match in the Top End series.
The Indian team's strategy is expected to undergo paradigm shift with some players getting a subtle yet stern message to lift their games as they face an embarrassing possibility of a clean sweep against South Africa in the third ODI, in Cape Town on Sunday.
Rohit Sharma lauded India for completing a 3-0 clean sweep, saying he wanted his team to be ruthless
Opener Shubman Gill fell one run short of a deserved half-century as India knocked off their target in 19.1 overs, completing a 2-1 series victory after going down in the opening ODI of the series in Lucknow.
'All you need is that players are in the frame of mind so that they can be at their best. After you take the field, you are expected to take over and adapt to situations'
'We had a good start but lost too many wickets in the middle overs'
India are the overwhelming favourites to win the tournament for a record seventh time while Bangladesh will be hoping to be third-time lucky in a summit clash.
'Had a lovely and intense first session with the boys in blue. Looking forward to the matches.'
Srinivas Bhogle and Purnendu Maji identify the Most Valuable Indian ODI Players in the 2018-19 season so far.
Former Australian captain Ian Chappell has named India's Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the captain of his World Cup 2015 XI.
The fast bowler could also miss the upcoming two-Test series, beginning in Chittagong on December 14.
'Just a little bit of fun, the guys getting together. The guys have been cooked up in their rooms for 18 days, it is not easy. Honestly, it is just nice to be out.'
India's rising young talent, Yashasvi Jaiswal, has affirmed that his debut Test ton against West Indies is just the beginning and that he is looking forward to contributing more in the future.
Fresh from his exploits in Mumbai's maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 triumph, Kotian got down to business after his pace colleagues Tushar Desphande (2/23) and Mohit Avasthi (1/29) handed Bengal early blows.
Indian opener Murali Vijay will miss the second Test against West Indies due to a thumb injury and will be replaced by Lokesh Rahul, skipper Virat Kohli said ahead of the match that begins at Kingston's Sabina Park later on Saturday.
Opener Shikhar Dhawan believes the right blend of youth and experience makes India a formidable side and it would be great if they can emulate the past success of five-time World champions Australia.
With Shikar Dhawan back in the squad, it is indeed a happy problem for skipper Virat Kohli, who has to choose two quality openers among three.
Defending champions Mumbai Indians claimed their fifth Indian Premier League title after romping to a five-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals in Tuesday's final in Dubai.
India has plenty of options at the top of the order and someone has to 'sacrifice' the opener's slot for KL Rahul, who performs his best when he takes the first strike, reckons former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar.
Shastri is not in favour of coaches taking breaks.
Team India will have to choose between experimenting and continuing the winning combination
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who were rested for the series, slipped one place each to 8th and 9th respectively.
