India collectively have to pick themselves up from the gut punch that was the Cricket World Cup final. They face Australia again just a few days after the big match in a T20I series opener in Vizag.
Set among scenic hills, Dr. Y. S. Rajashekar Reddy ACA–VDCA International Cricket Stadium will host a T20 International for just the fourth time.
Australia have a 100% record at the ground, having won on their only visit in 2019; that match has so far been the only India loss in the format at this venue.
India 23/20 | Tie 25/1 | Australia 72/100
India will immediately dive into their new task of building for the future with Suryakumar Yadav to lead the team in this five-match series seconded by vice-captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Suryakumar, Ishan Kishan and Prasidh Krishna are the only players in the squad who finished the World Cup in the ODI squad, while spin-bowling allrounder Axar Patel returns after injury ruled him out of the 50-over showpiece.
In an interesting move, Ravi Bishnoi is the only wristspinner in the squad, with India leaning into a lot of orthodox left-arm spin and right-arm off-spinners.
In-form Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tilak Varma will have opportunities to continue promising starts to their India careers.
With David Warner pulled from the squad late and Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc also heading home along with all-rounders Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh, this team still retains a few of the World Cup-winning ODI squad.
Matthew Wade has been appointed skipper for this series with no clear vice-captain appointed, although one would imagine Travis Head would lead if the skipper is taken out of the equation.
Head might not play the series opener considering his heroics on Sunday, though, but Australia haven’t brought that many top-order options along for this series.
This series will act as both sides’ first steps on the road to the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Verdict: India 23/20
India at home should have the edge and all the incentive to make Australia uncomfortable. Some really good value here at 23/20
