Following the conclusion of the ongoing ODI World Cup, India is set to face Australia in a five-match T20I series later this month. This series holds significant importance for Team India as it offers a valuable opportunity to prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup scheduled in the Caribbean and the USA next year. Given the short turnaround, India is likely to rest several of their first-choice players, including Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, and Mohammed Shami for the Australia T20Is.
Emerging reports suggest that the explosive Assam batter, Riyan Parag, might receive his maiden national call-up due to his impressive performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
As the discussion centers around Parag, let’s examine India’s potential squad for the Australia T20Is:
Batters:
India is expected to select Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill as the top-order batters, along with Ruturaj Gaikwad, who will assume the role of the third opener. The swashbuckling duo of Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav will likely be included, with the middle order featuring Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, and backup wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma.
All-rounders:
Considering Hardik Pandya’s recovery from an ankle injury, India is unlikely to rush him into the squad immediately after the World Cup. Therefore, Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar are anticipated to be the two all-rounders for the Australia series.
Bowlers:
With Pandya’s probable absence, India may appoint Jasprit Bumrah as the captain for the Australia T20Is. In addition to Bumrah, the seamers are expected to include Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna, while the spin attack will likely be led by Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravi Bishnoi.
Also read: ICC ODI World Cup 2023 Semi-final Scenarios For All Five Teams In Contention Explained
India’s Probable Squad for Australia T20Is:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (WK), Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah (C), Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Ravi Bishnoi, Yuzvendra Chahal