The forthcoming five-match India vs. Australia series promises to be a fun-filled one with enormous significance for those playing, although not having the high stakes aspect and fan following of the 2023 World Cup.
The first T20I will be played on Thursday, November 23, in Visakhapatnam, and both India and Australia are anticipated to be under-strength. Injuries and the fact that the World Cup has recently ended have led to both teams picking second-string squads for the series.
However, the assignment is expected to be captivating, as new individuals will surely bring energy and entertainment. Some experienced individuals are also determined to prove their critics wrong and guide the younger generation.
Here are three things to look forward to in India’s maiden Twenty20 International against Australia.
1. Axar Patel’s comeback: A chance to showcase his skills and potential
Following a solid domestic season with Gujarat, Axar Patel is likely to return to the Indian team after losing out on the World Cup under unfortunate circumstances.
Axar will be India’s starting all-rounder against Australia. The Men in Blue will have to rely on their spinners to bridge the gap between the two departments in the absence of a pace-bowling all-rounder.
Ravindra Jadeja’s poor batting form has raised worries about his being the side’s primary spin-bowling all-rounder in T20Is, and Axar has a serious chance of overtaking his senior partner. While the 29-year-old’s bowling figures have been mixed, he has been excellent with the bat for the most part.
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal: The next big thing for India in T20Is
Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has previously scored hundreds in Test and T20I cricket, is on the verge of becoming an Indian regular. Could he make a big statement against Australia?
Jaiswal is competing with Ishan Kishan to be Ruturaj Gaikwad’s first partner on the assignment. After his performance at the Asian Games, he is likely to be favored ahead of the keeper-batter at the top of the order.
Jaiswal is an extremely talented player. The southpaw, who provides an interesting type of cricket to the batting order, will be closely monitored throughout the forthcoming T20I series.
3. Suryakumar Yadav’s opportunity to showcase his leadership skills as India’s captain in T20Is against Australia
Suryakumar Yadav has been charged with monitoring India’s next assignment against the same opponent, following their devastating loss in the 2023 World Cup final.
For a number of reasons, SKY will be in the limelight. He didn’t have a fantastic run with the bat in the World Cup and will need to make sure it doesn’t hinder his barnstorming T20I form. At the same time, the energetic hitter will be expected to lead a youthful club.
Given the squad’s makeup, Suryakumar will need to be precise with his bowling changes and role assignments. As India’s 13th T20I captain, he would want to carry on the fantastic job that Hardik Pandya has done since the 2022 T20 World Cup.
