The Indian cricket team will continue their search for a perfect playing XI ahead of the all-important Men’s T20 World Cup when they take on a well-balanced Aussies in the first T20I of the three-match series at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium. . , here on Tuesday. India’s weak campaign in the recently concluded Asia Cup 2022 had raised some serious questions but the selectors have picked almost one team for the T20 World Cup in Australia. The consistency of similar faces shows that skipper Rohit Sharma, head coach Rahul Dravid and the selectors have not yet hit the panic button and are confident of the boys coming in good in the upcoming matches. However, the team management will still try a few more things to fix some issues and finalize their best possible eleven.
#teamindia had their first training session before #INDvAUS Series tomorrow at IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali.
snapshot from pic.twitter.com/h2g0v85ArH—BCCI (@BCCI) September 19, 2022
As far as batting is concerned, the top four include Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya, with his valuable all-round ability, is also a sure shot starter. The biggest question is, who will play as the wicketkeeper- Rishabh Pant or Dinesh Karthik?
During the Asia Cup, Karthik debuted as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper, but an injury to all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja forced the team management to bring in the left-armer Pant, who was looking unconvinced and so far Haven’t been able to justify his talent in T20I cricket like Tests and ODIs.
The idea of using a left-handed batsman in the middle overs was to counter the left-arm spinner, and Australia have a similar bowler in Ashton Agar. Hence, Pant may get preference over Karthik, who is known for his finishing skills.
Despite being a similar replacement for Jadeja, Axar Patel did not get a game in the Asia Cup. Deepak Hooda, who can bowl a few overs and gives the captain an extra option, got a chance to play but was not used in the bowling at all.
Furthermore, Hooda’s success has mostly come as a top-order batsman but he was given the task of finishing the innings at the multi-team event in Dubai.
In such a situation, it will be interesting to see whether Dravid and Rohit show faith in Axar’s all-rounder ability or whether Hooda gets the green signal.
On the other hand, the return of Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel will boost India’s bowling attack. Both Bumrah and Harshal had missed the 2022 Asia Cup due to injuries and they will be eager to make their mark and get into the groove during the three-match series.
After being costly in back-to-back matches against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Bhuvneshwar Kumar ended his Asia Cup campaign on a high with a scintillating performance against Afghanistan, and he will look to continue that.
Team India can also give a chance to Umesh Yadav, who has replaced Mohammed Shami in the team. Apart from Akshar, there are spin options like Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin.
Overall, India’s playing XI in the first match will give some clarity on their thinking and approach to the World Cup.
Meanwhile, Aaron Finch-led Australia will miss the services of Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis and Mitchell Marsh for the entire three-match T20I series in India.
Starc (knee), Marsh (ankle) and Stoinis (side) will all be at home with their ‘minor’ injuries along with David Warner, who had already been rested from the trip.
Despite missing out on their key players, defending champions Australia of the T20 World Cup have a well-balanced side. Five specialist batsmen, five all-rounders and five specialist bowlers look like a balanced and winning team.
However, Australian skipper Aaron Finch’s drought is a big concern for them and India will try to capitalize on it.
Eyes will also be on the very talented Tim David. Growing up in Western Australia, David played 14 Twenty20 Internationals for Singapore.
After making a name for itself in franchise leagues all over the world, Royal Challengers Bangalore have picked up the hard-hitter for Rs. Mumbai Indians earned Rs 8.25 crore in the auction held in March last year.
However, after two early failures, David was benched and later included for the second half, by the time Mumbai Indians’ playoff chances were over. David played a part in those late wins for his franchise and the 26-year-old would be keen to prove himself in Indian conditions.
Also, many members of this Australian team are familiar with the conditions in India because of their IPL experience, India will not have that domestic advantage.
Players like captain Aaron Finch, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Kane Richardson have spent enough time in India to learn what it takes to be successful at the top level.
Unlike other visiting teams, Australia have a solid record in India in T20Is and the hosts will be aiming to continue their dominance at home. So, overall, the stage is set for a one-on-one clash in Mohali.
Squad:
India: Rohit Sharma (capt), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dinesh Karthik (wk), Hardik Pandya, R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav, Harshal Patel, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah.
Australia: Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Finch (c), Cameron Greene, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Daniel Sams, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa