India are all set to take on weak, struggling Australia in T20I series starting from November 21. India, in stunning form, are favourites to win the encounter against the Aussies who are struggling since the controversial ball-tampering scandal. Ever since the ball-tampering controversy, Aussies have played against England, Pakistan in the limited over series, but ended up on the losing side.
Also Read: India vs Australia 2018: 5 players who will be sorely missed during the T20 series
Coming to India’s side, the Australia tour is quite crucial as the side is stacked with some new faces namely, Rishabh Pant (WK), Khaleel Ahmad, Krunal Pandya to name a few. This is the perfect chance for these new placed players to prove their mettle ahead of the 2019 World Cup in England. Coming UP against Australia, the side which was No 1 in every department, the spotlight will be on the young blood and their performance will be crucial. Here we take a look at 5 newcomers of the Indian side to watch for:
Rishabh Pant
Photo by BEN STANSALL / AFP
All eyes will be on young Rishabh Pant as future wicket-keeper of Indian side. Selectors decided to rest MS Dhoni for the T20 series. Pant has impressed the selectors since the IPL and debuted against England this year. Pant failed to replicate the same form as IPL in recently concluded West Indies series, Now, coming up against Australia in their own soil, Pant will be under the spotlight and a complete all-round effort can turn fortunes for the wicket-keeper.
Khaleel Ahmad
Photo by PUNIT PARANJPE / AFP / GETTYOUT
Ahmad, who debuted against West Indies, earned praise from experts and a place in the Australia series squad. He has taken 3 wickets from 3 matches and was the second best fast bowler in the series. If given a chance, Australia tour will give skills some polish. The tour can help him to try and establish his place in the Indian team.
Krunal Pandya
PTI Photo/Ashok Bhaumik
Elder Pandya brother, Krunal, debuted in T20Is against West Indies and impressed one and all with his all-round performance. When it comes to limited overs, Pandya is one of the best all-rounders. He has played for Mumbai Indians in IPL and has taken 28 wickets and scored 708 runs, and has surely proven his value. Coming to Australia tour, Krunal would be looking to make some quick runs and take wickets to try and capture a place in India’s World Cup squad.
Shreyas Iyer
India named young Shreyas Iyer to Australia tour. Earlier, Iyer was named in squad against West Indies T20I but didn’t get a chance to play and showcase his talent. Shreyas Iyer was impressive in IPL and domestic game and if given a chance, is expected to do well. Iyer is another No 3 and No 4 aspirant in the Indian side.
Washington Sundar
File Photo
The fast bowler doesn’t have enough international exposure. His performance against West Indies was decent. His bowling style suits the Australian pitches and hence, he’s expected to do well. Sunder has impressed with his bowling performance in IPL and it would be interesting to see how he performs against the Aussies.