The much awaited heavyweight clash between the Indians and the Baggy greens is just a week away and the preparations are taking place in full swing. Though there was some panic in the camp and within the fans, when the news of the Covid- 19 outbreak in South Australia was out, but the CA (Cricket Australia) assured that the schedule would go ahead as planned and the Australian players were airlifted from the containment zone.
This will be the first series Team India will be playing since the lockdown and the fans would be looking forward to seeing their team back in action. The IPL did mark the comeback cricket post the pandemic lockdown and the fact that three International series will kick start on the 27th of this month certainly will enlighten the cricket world.
As the part of the Built- up for the heavyweight clash, Cricwizz brings you yet another intriguing article, this around the 5 Indian players to watch out in the ODI series against Australia.
1) Virat Kohli
No surprises here. Yes, the limelight will be on the Indian skipper Virat Kohli once again as he is one the best batsmen in the world and he is one of the few batsmen in the world, who has managed to dominate the Aussies in their own backyard. He is someone who is loved by all the Australians for his aggressive approach and competitiveness on the field.
The 32- year old did showcase some classy performance in the recently concluded Indian Premier League. His innings of 90* against the CSK was something to be cherished. Can the run machine pile on the runs once again for his team?
Virat Kohli has played 248 ODIs for Team India and piled on 11867 runs at an average of 59.34. He is currently the 6th highest run- getter in the world in ODIs and also the highest run- getter among the current players. His average of 59.34 is the highest for any player with more than 8000 runs in ODIs. Now we know why is one the most feared batsman in the world. Right?
2) KL Rahul
Those who followed the IPL, will know the form this man is in. The amount of runs he scored was untouchable by any other batsmen in the league in spite of them playing more matches than him. He has definitely made a statement as a captain and batsman. In addition to that his keeping has been top notch as well. He is the complete package any team would love to have. With him being the Vice- Captain of Indian team, he will be looking to play more responsibly.
With Rohit Sharma being rested for the T20I and ODIs, it would mean that Rahul will be given the role of opening the innings with in-form Shikhar Dhawan. Can the two dominate the fiery Australian bowling attack?
The 28- year old has played 32 ODIs for Team India and has managed to score 1239 runs at an incredible average of 47.65.
3) Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah, also known as ‘Boom Boom’ Bumrah is definitely the bowler the Australians would be already doing a lot of homework on. The 26- year old has been the revelation for the Indian team for the last couple of years and his success story has been well scripted. His ability to bowl the Yorkers with such precision and consistency has made him one of the best bowlers in the world.
He did show why he is the best once again in the IPL, as he was just 3 wickets behind the purple cap winner Kagiso Rabada. The pacer managed to pick up 27 wickets and finished with an economy of 6.73. His economy was the best for a pacer in the IPL 2020.
Bumrah has played 49 T20I for India and has picked up 59 wickets at an economy of 6.67. He is currently the highest wicket- taker for India in T20I and also has the best economy for an Indian bowler in T20I.
4) Yuzvendra Chahal
The pace division is headed by Bumrah, so is the spin department. Currently one of the best spinners in the shortest format, Yuzvendra Chahal is the second highest wicket- taker for India with 55 wickets to his name from 42 matches. Though his economy is on the higher side, it is to be noted that the majority of the matches he has played have been on the flat tracks.
The 30- year old did have an excellent IPL season as he managed to pick up 21 wickets from the 15 matches at an economy of 7. He will be hoping he can carry on the form and get his team past the line.
5) Hardik Pandya
Is there anything this man can not do on the field? When he bats, he dominates the bowlers and is one of the hardest hitters of the ball in this format. He can pick up the crucial wickets when the team needs it. In addition to his batting and bowling, he is one of the best fielders in the World. Seldom have we seen the 27- year old have a bad day on the field and his ability to finish the innings could hurt the Aussies badly.
Pandya has played 54 ODIs for India scoring 957 runs at an average of 30. He has also picked 54 wickets at an economy of 5.56. He is surely one of the best all- rounders for India, Can he prove once more in this all- important series?
Cover Credits: BCCIofficial
