Defending T20 champions Australia are set to engage in a high-intensity T20I series against India before the ICC T20 World Cup next month. The Aussies landed in the subcontinent after another triumphant Chappell-Hadlee series against New Zealand, clean sweeping the three-match ODI series.
Meanwhile, the hosts, led by Rohit Sharma, have got a few questions to answer after underperforming in the recently concluded Asia Cup. Both teams will hope to unearth their best possible XI in the upcoming series, with the ICC mega event in sight. With two world-class sides hoping to put their best foot forward in the series, expect some mouthwatering mini-battles during the matches.
1. Virat Kohli - Pat Cummins
Virat Kohli's lean run of form is a thing of the past now as the batter roared back to form in the recently concluded Asia Cup. He was the second-leading run-getter of the tournament, with two half-centuries and a maiden century in the format.
Pat Cummins, on the other hand, hasn't featured in a T20I since February and will be hoping to replicate some of his red-ball form in the shortest format of the game. The premier Aussie pacer is an asset for any side with his penetrative bowling ability.
It will make for an entertaining watch when two of the best in the business will clash in the upcoming series. Cummins acknowledged the challenge of bowling to an inform Kohli but is relishing the prospect of facing the Indian batting ace.
2. Yuzvendra Chahal - Glenn Maxwell
Veteran Indian leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has been in tremendous form since making his return to the national side on the back of a record-breaking season with Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2022. Although he did not have the best of time in the Asia Cup, he showed glimpses of his mastery in the crunch game against Sri Lanka.
Australia's Glenn Maxwell, the former RCB teammate of Chahal, is one of the most destructive players in white-ball cricket. The all-rounder is known for his fearless approach at the crease and often bails Australia from tough situations with his belligerence.
But Chahal and Maxwell share one thing in common - love for fearless cricket. The clash between the duo is an exciting prospect as neither of them backs down in times of adversity. While the Indian leggie is known for enticing batters, the Aussie does not need a second invitation while batting in T20Is.
3. Bhuvneshwar Kumar - Aaron Finch
India's veteran right-arm pacer, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is one of the best exponents of the new ball in limited-overs cricket. The skillful cricketer has been unfortunate with injuries in the past but has put those woes behind him and is back to his very best for the Men in Blues.
In contrast, Aaron Finch is amidst a horrendous run of form with the bat, which saw him call it time on his 50-over career. The white-all skipper still remains a threat in the shortest format of the game with his exceptional power-hitting abilities at the top of the order.
The Indian pacer might have an upper hand in this battle as Finch's vulnerability against the in-coming deliveries is well documented. Bhuvneshwar will look to exploit that while Finch will try to deter the veteran pacer in his tracks with his attacking batting.
4. Adam Zampa - Hardik Pandya
Australian leg spinner Adma Zampa is one of the stalwarts of the T20I side and has been one of the consistent performers for the Men in Yellow. The willy leggie is in great knick following a triumphant home series against the Kiwis.
Zampa will have a hard time containing the hard-hitting Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who has been revitalized as a batter following a glorious IPL 2022. The Indian star has evolved from being a reckless hitter, making him more dangerous at the crease.
The Australian spinner will have to be careful against Pandya, who marmalizes spinners with utter disdain. It will be interesting to see how the Indian ace approaches batting against such a high-quality spinner.
5. Josh Hazelwood-KL Rahul
Josh Hazelwood, the No. 1 ranked T20I bowler in the world, is one of the most improved cricketers in the shortest format of the game. He was regarded as an out-and-out Test bowler because of his nagging lines and lengths. But the Aussie quick has added several variations to his game, adapting to white-ball cricket.
Indian opening batter KL Rahul is struggling to regain his form after a lengthy injury layoff. The stylish batter was troubled at the crease in the Zimbabwe series and did not look like himself in the recently concluded Asia Cup.
Much like Finch, Rahul is susceptible in the early stages of the innings, especially against the inswinging deliveries. Hazelwood is too good a bowler to overlook that weakness and will test the Indian star's resolve in the upcoming series.
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