T20 World Cup 2024: India vs Australia Match 51: India’s strongest predicted playing XI against Australia

Australia (AUS) will clash with India (IND) in Match 51 of the T20 World Cup 2024 at the Daren Sammy Stadium in St Lucia on June 24. India have been in roaring form remaining unbeaten in the tournament and potentially cementing their semi-final berth with a 50-run victory against Bangladesh. Australia are desperate to register a win after being outclassed by the spirited Afghanistan in their second Super 8 encounter. 

A loss against India would mean that the former champions will be hoping for Afghanistan to lose their next game, or else they will have to cede their stay in the Caribbean. India have won two Super 8 encounters in as many games they have played, and Australia have won one against Bangladesh and subsequently lost to Afghans occupying the second spot in the table.

Also Check: India vs Australia Live Score, Match 51

Here's India’s predicted XI against Australia:

Openers: Rohit Sharma (C), Virat Kohli

Rohit Sharma has made his intent clear as he is out there looking to attack from the ball one. Barring a half-century in the warm-up game against Bangladesh, he has no substantial score to boast. But the opener has kept the run rate in check as evident in the Super 8 encounters against Bangladesh, scoring 23 off 11 balls. His usual reliance on his timing for the shots has taken a backseat and the batter has started exerting power to go big.

Virat Kohli as an opener is hard to digest as his number three spot was etched beside his name. The star batter had a forgettable outing in the first five games of the tournament, but against Bangladesh, he seemed to have found the usual touch. The right-handed batter was gritty in his 37 runs in 28 balls, but the deliveries that lack pace and bounce seem to have troubled him more than anything else.

Also Check: IND vs AUS Dream11 Prediction

Middle Order: Rishabh Pant, Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube

Rishabh Pant makes the heart pounce with his antics on his crease, playing ramp shots and reverse scoops. But the southpaw is paying dividends for being entrusted with the crucial number three position. His 42 runs against Pakistan were the backbone of Indian innings and he again trudged on the risky path with his 36 runs in the previous game.

Suryakumar Yadav has been exceptional with his game sense as evident during the game against USA, where he scored 50 off 49 balls. He replicated his trademark self against Afghanistan, scoring 53 off 28 balls. His habit of giving away his wicket after settling in completely drew flak from many critics but looking at the approach by the other batters, India might have backed the attitude.

Shivam Dube has been lukewarm for the player who had ignited immense expectations on the back of some successful IPL stints. The southpaw has been struggling with the variable bounce and a higher back lift is not helping either. He did partner Surya and Pant well in the middle but the team required some firepower with his inclusion.

Also Check: T20 World Cup 2024 Most Runs

All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja

Hardik Pandya has taken the T20 World Cup by storm as he has been consistent with his performance for the team. The all-rounder makes an impact with his bowling when he fails with the bat. Be it two wickets against Pakistan or three scalps against USA, he has made his presence felt in the tournament. He was adjudged Man of the Match against Bangladesh for his unbeaten 50 off 27 balls and wicket to his name.

Axar Patel showed his prowess against Pakistan as he was promoted up the order after a top-order collapse. Termed as someone who has a similar skillset as Ravindra Jadeja, the southpaw has reaped rewards with his tactical bowling and to-the-point line and length while bowling. His five dot balls on the trot to Imad Wasim at the death were lauded by fans and pundits alike.

Ravindra Jadeja has not had a memorable game in the World Cup so far. The all-rounder has limited opportunities with the bat coming down the order and failing to fetch runs for the team. While bowling, he is economical but not turning those perks into wickets has been a point of concern for the team.

Also Check: IND vs AUS Match Preview

Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh

Kuldeep Yadav was benched for the group stage that was played in the USA as Mohammed Siraj was the preferred asset. Just as the team stepped onto the West Indies soil, Yadav was brought back and the spinner made an immediate impact. He has taken five wickets in two games, three of which came against Bangladesh in the previous match.

Jasprit Bumrah is been touted as the national treasure by many and rightly so. The pacer has been the lawn mower for India against any opposition so far. He has pocketed 10 wickets in five games at a mindboggling average of 6.50. He has an economy rate of just 3.42 and has bowled 77 dot balls, the most for any bowler in the tournament.

Also Check: Australia's strongest predicted playing XI against India

Arshdeep Singh is regarded as one of the rarest finds for team India, given he is a left-arm pacer and has a knack for swinging the ball and bowling precise Yorkers at death. The bowler has been on the expensive side in the tournament conceding runs at a rate of 7.05. Nevertheless, he became the highest wicket-taker for India in a single T20 World Cup edition as the pacer has plucked 12 wickets in the ongoing tournament.