Cricket enthusiasts are in for another treat as India and Australia gear up for a 5-match T20I series starting on November 23, just days after the thrilling World Cup final. The series, poised to be a contest between the emerging talents of both teams, serves as a prelude to the preparations for the 2024 T20 World Cup. With star players expected to be rested, this series provides a platform for the rising stars to showcase their skills. Here are the top 5 players to watch out for in the India vs Australia 1st T20 match.
1. Rinku Singh (India)
Following an impressive 2023 IPL season, Rinku Singh is set to make an impact in the T20 series. Representing the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Singh proved his worth, and his debut series further highlighted his capabilities. Striking the ball at over 200 with an average of 75 in T20Is, Singh brings explosive batting to the middle order. His ability to score quickly and adapt to different situations makes him a player to watch in the upcoming series.
2. Spencer Johnson (Australia)
Known as the “wild thing,” Spencer Johnson brings express pace to the Australian bowling attack. Despite being a late bloomer in international cricket, Johnson has played two T20Is and 18 T20s in total. While his overall record may not be overwhelming, with 16 wickets at an average of 29.56, Johnson’s ability to bowl at high speeds adds an element of unpredictability. His raw pace makes him a player to watch out for, especially against the Indian batsmen.
3. Ishan Kishan (India)
In a crucial series that could determine his future, Ishan Kishan needs to capitalize on this opportunity. The left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman faces the challenge of improving his T20 record, currently averaging under 25 with a strike rate of 121 after 29 T20Is. He is known for his aggressive batting, will aim to showcase his skills and cement his place in the Indian T20 setup.
4. Tanveer Sangha (Australia)
The young leg-spinner, Tanveer Sangha, has already displayed tremendous promise in his brief international career. With a notable 4-wicket haul in his debut T20I match, the 21-year-old has proven his mettle. Sangha’s T20 record is impressive, boasting an average of 17.31 and an exceptional strike rate of 13.70. His ability to spin the ball and pick up crucial wickets makes him a player to watch in the upcoming series.
5. Jitesh Sharma (India)
Jitesh Sharma, a wicketkeeper-batsman, is set to make his mark in the T20 series. Despite having played only three T20Is, Sharma, who idolizes MS Dhoni, possesses a striking T20 record. With a remarkable strike rate of over 149, he has the potential to make a significant impact. As a promising young talent, Sharma’s batting prowess and wicketkeeping skills will be under scrutiny, making him an exciting prospect for the series.
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As India and Australia field their emerging talents in the 1st T20, these five players will be under the spotlight. Tanveer Sangha’s spin wizardry, Jitesh Sharma’s aggressive batting, Spencer Johnson’s express pace, Ishan Kishan’s quest for consistency, and Rinku Singh’s explosive prowess make them the players to watch out for in this exciting series. The clashes between these rising stars promise to add an extra layer of excitement to the T20 cricketing extravaganza.
Squads for India vs Australia T20I Series
Australia: Matthew Wade (c), Jason Behrendorff, Sean Abbott, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Ruturaj Gaikwad (vc), Ishan Kishan (wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Shivam Dubey, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar.
