Australia vs India, 1st T20I - India Predicted XI

Amidst a lot of expectations and aspirations, Team India kicks off its tour to Australia with the T20I series at the Gabba in Brisbane. The first match will be played on 21 November 2018 at the Gabba in Brisbane. Considering their recent form, India goes into this series as the hot favourites.

The last time when India played a T20I series against Australia in Australia, they managed to clean sweep the hosts 3-0 under MS Dhoni‘s captaincy. However, it is his successor, Virat Kohli who will lead the side this time around and in the absence of the former captain. The Indian skipper will want to start the tour on a high. On that note, here is the predicted XI for India for the first T20I:

Openers (Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan)

India doesn’t need to look beyond Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan for the opening pair in limited-overs formats. These two enjoy the pace and bounce onto the bat and are also good players off the backfoot. Both of them are very much capable of clearing the big boundaries in Australia. It is crucial for them to provide the side with a good start in the powerplay.

Rohit, in particular, is in the middle of a purple patch. He was brilliant in the Asia Cup and in the home season against the Windies. He smashed his fourth T20I century just a few days ago and would be eager to add more to his tally. Shikhar should be focussing on not throwing his starts away as he has been hitting the ball well in recent times.

Middle Order (KL Rahul, Virat Kohli (c), Rishabh Pant)

KL Rahul is expected to continue at the number three position. He would follow the same strategy of going bonkers after the bowlers walking in at the crucial position. If it works, will be a huge bonus for the team as there is a lot of batting to follow. If it doesn’t, there is Virat Kohli coming in at four to anchor the innings.

The Indian captain hasn’t played a T20I since he last featured in the three games against England. But, given the kind of form that he is in, it shouldn’t really affect his performances much. Depending on the situation of the game, Rishabh Pant can be used as the floater in the line-up. If the need be, he can be slotted in at three or will continue to bat at five otherwise. Manish Pandey will be sitting out to accommodate the regular Indian skipper.

Wicketkeeper (Dinesh Karthik)

Dinesh Karthik, being the better gloveman will keep the wickets in Australia as well. Batting down the order, his experience is critical for the team. He is someone who absorbs pressure really well and this is a very important series for him on a personal note. DK has only played one T20I in Australia in his 14-year career thus far and hence will have to get accustomed to the conditions sooner rather than later.

All-rounder (Krunal Pandya)

Krunal Pandya, after an impressive debut series, could well cling on to his place in the side for the T20I series against Australia. He can give the captain four overs in the game and has the ability to score extremely quick with the willow in hand. He will be the preferred all-rounder in the team in the absence of his brother, Hardik Pandya.

Bowlers (Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav/Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Khaleel Ahmed)

There wouldn’t be any surprises as far as the fast bowlers are concerned. Both Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah along with the young Khaleel Ahmed will continue to feature in the playing XI. This trio was quite impressive in the recently concluded series against Windies. Bhuvi, who looked little rusty, seemed to have got enough match practice and will be eager to bowl at his best.

The spinner is the only question here in the XI. In the Windies series, Rohit inclined towards Kuldeep. It would be interesting to see if Virat does the same as he likes Chahal better in the XI. It would be a toss-up between one of these two depending on the conditions.

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