India To Face Australia In 1st T20I Today

MOHALI: The Indian cricket team will continue their search for an ideal playing XI before the all-important Men's T20 World Cup when they take on a well-balanced Australian side in the first T20I of the three-match series at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, here on Tuesday.

India's lacklustre campaign at the recently concluded Asia Cup 2022 had raised some serious questions but the selectors have picked up almost the same squad for the T20 World Cup in Australia.

The continuity of similar faces shows that skipper Rohit Sharma, head coach Rahul Dravid and selectors have not pressed the panic button yet and trusting the boys to come good in upcoming matches.

However, the team management will still look to fix some issues and try out a few more things in order to finalise their best possible eleven.

As far as the batting is concerned, the top four consisting of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav pick themselves up automatically, and Hardik Pandya with his valuable all-round ability, is also a sure-shot starter.

The biggest question is who will play as the wicket-keeper — Rishabh Pant or Dinesh Karthik?

During the Asia Cup, Karthik started as India's first-choice wicket-keeper but injury to all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja forced the team management to bring in left-hander Pant, who didn't look convincing and so far hasn't been able to justify his talent in T20I cricket like the Test and ODIs.

On the other hand, India's bowling attack will be bolstered by the return of Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel. Both Bumrah and Harshal had missed the Asia Cup 2022 due to injuries and they will be keen to make their mark and get into the groove during the three-match series. (IANS)

Also Read: Assam Assembly: Bill passed to form range-level police accountability authorities

Also Watch: