India will play a three-match ODI series beginning November 27. It promises an action-packed series, with both sides having scores to settle. Also, there will be personal battles between the two teams as players of either side have played against each other in IPL 2020. So, here are a few of the personal battles to look forward to in Australia vs India ODI series.
1) Virat Kohli vs Adam Zampa
Kohli and Zampa played for RCB in IPL 2020. And Zampa flourished under Kohli's leadership and gave his best with the ball in the tournament. He should be able to read Kohli's mind now, having bowled at him during the IPL 2020 nets, and played under him for RCB. And Kohli has been known to be a shaky customer initially against the spin. Hence, Aussie captain Aaron Finch would have Zampa go after Kohli as soon as the Indian captain comes to the crease. How will Kohli's tackle Zampa's challenge? It would be a great battle to look forward to in Australia vs India ODI series.
2) Aaron Finch vs Jasprit Bumrah
Finch's weakness against the incoming delivery was exposed in the IPL 2020, and he was even dropped for his inconsistency before being included in the RCB XI in the Eliminator. But he is still the best batsman for Australia in limited-overs cricket and forms a dangerous opening pair with David Warner. Jasprit Bumrah, who is known for taking early wickets, would pose the biggest threat to Finch with his accuracy, and line and length bowling. It would be exciting to see who will win this battle in Australia vs India ODI series?
3) KL Rahul vs Pat Cummins
Rahul, who won the orange cap in IPL 2020, will open the batting with Shikhar Dhawan in the ODI series as regular opener Rohit Sharma is out with an injury. He is the in-form batsman and Aussies will target him, and unleash their best bowler in Pat Cummins at the Kings XI Punjab batsman. The two faced each other in IPL 2020 and knows their strengths and weaknesses. Getting Rahul out early would be on top of Australia's strategy, and no better than Cummins to do the job for them. Meanwhile, India will expect Rahul to drop anchor, while Dhawan takes on the bowlers. Hence, Rahul will put a big price tag on his wicket.
4) Steve Smith vs YS Chahal
RR vs RCB Down Under? That makes a great battle to watch out for in the ODI series. Smith can be a dangerous customer if not dismissed early. He can be a bit suspect against leg-spin bowling early on, and that would be India's best chance to dismiss Smith. Chahal gets the job of slowing down middle-overs by taking wickets, while Smith's task would keep the momentum going in that phase. Hence, it would be an interesting battle to watch out for in Australia vs India ODI series.
Cover photo courtesy: Bcci.tv
