The absence of an injured Rohit Sharma will certainly leave a huge void at the top of the order, something skipper Virat Kohli would not have liked at the start of a grueling two-month tour.
Kohli’s men, who had been on an international hiatus imposed by COVID since the disastrous away series against New Zealand that ended in early March, are now kicking off their international schedule in a series in which many are expected to be made. probing questions.
For those who believe in superstition, the return of the 1992 World Cup navy jersey does not bode well, as one of India’s worst performances (7th in 9 teams) occurred in that particular edition.
For the more pragmatic, it will be more about how Kohli’s men hit their right mix in the absence of Rohit, whose injury has been a topic of national debate.
Whether it’s the young Shubman Gill or the slightly more seasoned Mayank Agarwal, whichever partner a fit Shikhar Dhawan is, the challenge of taking on a Mitchell Starc or Pat Cummins for the first time will remain onerous.
So ‘King Kohli’ again has his homework cut short as he prepares to combat a high-quality rhythm attack, likely to be complemented by the wrist twist of Adam Zampa, who has at times been the Indian captain’s nemesis.
Facing a team from Australia in their own backyard with a Steve Smith, who is catching up, an eternally hungry David Warner and a great future at Marnus Labuschagne is not the best of proposals and therefore they will get on with it. try some priorities.
Over the next two years, 50+ cricket is the least important format, so it will be either a “win at all costs” approach from Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri or a calmer mindset considering the series of tests.
For starters, Jasprit bumrah and Mohammed Shami could be starters, but the team’s leadership may need to rest one of the two alternately, considering their importance in the more traditional format.
Therefore, Shardul Thakur and Navdeep Saini need to improve their respective games by a few notches if one of the two majors rests.
But do they have the wherewithal to upset a world-class first-rate Australian, who can be destructive most days?
Then there will be a litmus test in store for KL Rahul, a classy hitter, who will have to find those spaces with ease, wait for his patron to listen to his suggestions and take those complicated DRS calls while successfully reading Yuzvendra Chahal’s googlies behind. . stumps.
“That Genius Ranchi” has established an enviable roster and Rahul, of all people, will be the first to admit that his position is not enviable.
It’s an inspired move to ensure an additional hitting or bowling option that will provide the necessary balance to the sides, something that has been compromised somewhat due to Hardik Pandya’s inability to bowl due to a previous case of stress fracture. .
If it’s Pandya’s explosive hit at No. 6 or 7 that will give his captain the confidence to play two spinners, Shreyas Iyer’s show at No. 4 during the last tour is still a factor of well-being for visitors.
Chahal could be the man that the average Australian order, especially the likes of Marcus Stonis, Glenn Maxwell and Alex Carey, would distrust.
But in the absence of a die-hard bowler like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Bumrah is expected to once again carry the maximum workload.
The first slinger wouldn’t mind if rival captain Aaron Finch found him once again in his nightmares.
All three ODIs will be followed by as many T20 Internationals ahead of the test series that begins on December 17.
The series will see a return of the stadium crowds with Cricket Australia approving 50 percent occupancy of available seats. CA had stated that the tickets were sold out.
Squads:
India: Virat Kohli (captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul (vice captain and goalkeeper), Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Hardik Pandya, Mayank Agarwal, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Shami, Navdeep Saini, Shardul Thakur
Australia: Aaron Finch (captain), David Warner, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey (week), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Cameron Green, Moises Henriques, Andrew Tye, Daniel Sams, Matthew Wade (wicketkeeper).
Kick-off: 9:10 am IST.
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