India Vs Australia: It's 2020 time

English

The 1-2 ODI series loss reaffirmed that India has a lot of work to do in 50-over cricket. But, the Virat Kohli-led team possesses a more balanced squad in the shortest format. Before the COVID-19 pandemic suspended sporting activities, India blanked host New Zealand in a five-match series and will take that confidence into the contest against Australia.

The presence of Washington Sundar, Deepak Chahar and Thangarasu Natarajan, who did well on his ODI debut, lends the much-needed balance to the bowling department. Washington will be high on confidence after a solid IPL, where Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and India skipper Kohli used him effectively.

With Hardik Pandya not bowling regularly, India had only one specialist all-rounder in Ravindra Jadeja in the one-dayers. However in the T20s, Kohli will also have the services of Washington in both the departments. Natarajan could make his T20 debut on Friday having shown enough promise in his maiden international appearance.

The Manuka Oval surface has enough for both pacers and spinners. It will be interesting to see who opens the bowling alongside Jasprit Bumrah, with the toss-up between Mohammed Shami and Chahar. Yuzvendra Chahal, who had a forgettable outing in the ODIs, would look to bounce back.

In batting, KL Rahul is expected to open along with southpaw Shikhar Dhawan. The in-form wicketkeeper-batsman opened in the previous T20 series against New Zealand and would hope to come up with great performances like he did in IPL 2020. Kohli looked in good touch in the ODIs and will aim to build on that while No.4 Shreyas Iyer will target big scores.

As Kohli mentioned, the win in the inconsequential third ODI was just the result India needed ahead of the T20 series. Australia, having dished out clinical efforts in the last one week, would back itself to beat India despite injury concerns.

David Warner is unavailable due to a groin injury and it remains to be seen if Marnus Labuschagne partners skipper and opener Aaron Finch. Marcus Stoinis would have been another good opening option with Finch, but he too is a doubtful starter.

Mitchell Starc, who was rested on Wednesday, could return to bolster the bowling unit even as the side misses Pat Cummins.