India in Australia T20I series 2016 – India player ratings

India came in terrific form in the T20I series, after the heartbreaking 4-1 defeat in the ODI series. India needed big momentum going into the T20I series and the scintillating win in the last ODI came at the correct time.

India needed to win the T20I series 3-0 to go to the number one spot and their performance spoke for themselves. India played as a unit, led by Virat Kohli in the batting department and by the spinners in the bowling department.

Though most of the players were flawless in their performances and here the India player ratings for the T20I series, which India won 3-0, whitewashing Australia for the very first time in their own backyard.

Rohit Sharma – 8/10

3 matches, 143 runs, 2 half centuries and quick starts were what Rohit Sharma provided India at the top of the batting order. He made sure that the initial period of seam was seen off carefully and then, he upped the ante with picture perfect cuts and pulls and occasional drives.

He hit the big shots perfectly and even took on Shaun Tait who bowled constantly at 140+ kmph. A strike rate of 136 prove that he kept his habit of eating up deliveries up front to the minimum and made a big contribution to India’s series win.

Shikhar Dhawan – 5.5/10

Shikhar Dhawan came into his own in the last 2 ODIs with a century and a fifty. He scored just 73 runs in the series, with a high score of 46, but where he made the impact was giving India flying starts in the first 6 overs. But he was supposed to give more balanced starts and stay at the wicket after the initial assault, which he failed to do.

Though him coming back to form is good for India in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka and the T20 Asia cup.

Virat Kohli – 10/10

Virat Kohli was rightly chosen as the Man of the series for his 199 runs at an average of 199 and strike rate of 160.48 and highest score of 90* and three half centuries. He took the attack to the Aussies and kept the momentum of the opening pair going through the innings. He stayed there till the end in two out of three matches to see the match through and take India to the victory.

Suresh Raina – 8/10

Suresh Raina shined in whatever time he got in the middle. His innings of 49* in the 3^rd T20I took India to the win despite a fear of losing Kohli at an important juncture and Yuvraj not timing the ball. Raina kept running hard between the wickets and hitting the boundaries in between to keep the run rate in control and hit the winning four for India.

Yuvraj Singh – 5/10

Yuvraj Singh made his comeback into the Indian team after some time. Though he didn’t get to do much in the batting department, he was utilized as the filler bowler by Dhoni and he repaid by dismissing Glen Maxwell in 2 matches.

He did struggle in the final ODI when he was sent ahead of Dhoni, but a six and four in the last over, meant that India won the series 3-0.

MS Dhoni – 7/10

MS Dhoni didn’t get much to do in the batting, but he was his usual behind the stumps. His clever use of spinners in the middle overs meant that Australia could not score big, despite making runs at over 10 runs per over in the power play.

He did his best scoring 14 runs in 9 balls in one of the matches, giving India some more runs to play. His captaincy was refreshing and looks like; he will repay the faith put in him by the selectors.

Hardik Pandya – 5/10

Hardik Pandya made his debut for India after a great Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy, but didn’t get to bat in any of the 3 games. His first over in the T20I was horrendous and it went for 19 runs and involved a number of wide balls. But he came back from that to pick up 3 wickets in the series. Pandya gives Dhoni his preferred requirement of a fast bowling all-rounder as he regularly touched 140 kmph.

He will definitely be an asset in the upcoming Sri Lanka series and the Asia Cup. His big hitting will definitely prove to be one of the biggest things for the Indian team who need someone like him to provide the last minute runs.

R. Ashwin – 7.5/10

R.Ashwin picked up 4 wickets in 3 matches, but more important than this, was that he choked the Australian batsmen. He brought the run rate down dramatically and in tandem with Jadeja, Ashwin made sure that he executed Dhoni’s plan to the point. 

Ravindra Jadeja – 8/10

If any bowler impressed in the middle overs, it was Ravindra Jadeja. The left-arm spinner made life difficult for every Australian batsman and his 5 wickets are proof of his ability. Apart from that, his electrifying fielding, including a terrific return catch of Shane Watson in the second T20I will grace the highlight packages everywhere.

Jasprit Bumrah – 8.5/10

The find of the Australian tour has to be the Gujrat fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah was drafted into the team in place of the injured Mohd. Shami, he filled the big gap easily. Apart from the speed, he impressed everyone, even the Australians with his ability to bowl at the death.

India has been on the lookout for a bowler who could bowl in the death overs and especially bowl yorkers. Bumrah’s yorkers would have made Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis proud. Bumrah made sure that he would be a certainty for the upcoming ICC World T20, 2016.

Ashish Nehra – 7/10

36-year-old Ashish Nehra made his long-awaited comeback into the Indian team after 5 years. The 2011 ICC World Cup winner was chosen after his impressive showing in the last year’s IPL, where he controlled the game beautifully at the start and at the death overs.

He bowled at a decent speed and constantly hit the yorker length at the death. His experience also directed young Bumrah and Pandya in the correct direction and he will be present in the Sri Lanka series and the T20 Asia Cup.

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