IND vs AUS: World No. 1 India will face world champion Australia, Rohit-Rahul's litmus test
In the three-match T20I series against the reigning world champions Australia beginning on Tuesday, India will strive to address their correct team composition, particularly the middle-order difficulties, in preparation for the T20 World Cup.
Time to execute preparations for T20 World Cup
Some fast bowlers may have rested for the six matches before the World Cup, but other than this, India will still field a potent lineup. After Australia, South Africa will play three games at home against India. Before the T20 World Cup, which will be hosted in Australia, captain Rohit Sharma has already stated that his team will try to acquire all the answers. Although India batted well at the Asia Cup, they also underwent many changes at this time.
The team gets stronger with the return of Harshal and Bumrah.
The Indian bowling unit's flaws also surfaced during this competition, but the return of Harshal Patel and Jasprit Bumrah has bolstered the assault. Virat Kohli might open the innings with Rohit; despite this, Rohit Sharma said that KL Rahul would open the innings with him. It is possible to field Kohli as the opener after he struck a century in his most recent T20 innings.
Pant may get preference over Karthik.
The top four batsmen for India are set, but it is still up in the atmosphere whether Rishabh Pant or Dinesh Karthik will be the playing 11's wicketkeeper. As a left-handed batsman, India may prefer Pant over Karthik, given the injury to Ravindra Jadeja.
Karthik was added to the team to fill the position of "finisher." He had very little opportunity in the Asia Cup to bat, but the team's management may offer him another shot within the following two weeks. Although Deepak Hooda participated in every Asia Cup Super Four match, his position on the team is unclear.
Axar Patel Extra option in bowling.
Jadeja's injury at the Asia Cup threw off the team's balance of bowlers. India was limited to using five bowlers since they lacked a sixth bowling option. India will have a second bowling option if they keep Axar Patel in the starting lineup rather than Hardik Pandya and Jadeja.
Axar and Yuzvendra Chahal, two spinners, might join the fast bowling quartet of Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal, and Hardik. Management will arrange the team lineup for these matches while considering Australia's weather.
Captain Finch is looking for a form.
On the other hand, Australia has sent some crucial players, notably David Warner, to India. While Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, and Mitchell Marsh were given time to heal from injuries, Warner was granted a break. The focus will be on captain Aaron Finch, who recently announced his retirement from ODIs due to his persistently subpar play.
Before the World Cup, Finch will attempt to get back into shape. Tim David, a player who will make his Australian debut after representing Singapore in international cricket, will also be the focus of attention.
Both teams are as follows.
Australia: Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Finch (c), Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Daniel Sams, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa.
India: Rohit Sharma (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice Captain), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Ravichandran Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav.