India vs Australia T20I series: 3 players who need to perform well

The heartbreak of the Asia Cup 2022 is in the past and Team India has set their eyes on the upcoming T20I series against Australia. The Men in Blue will be playing three T20I matches against the Aussies, less than a month before participating in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia.

While the Indian team looks strong on paper, the Asia Cup has already displayed several underlying issues in India’s lineup. Bowling at the continental tournament is bound to create concerns for Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma, whereas their top order has also not exceeded expectations. Let’s take a look at three players who need to perform well against Australia ahead of the T20 World Cup next month.

Also Read: India vs Australia 1st T20: Match preview

KL Rahul

The Indian vice-captain returned from a long injury in the ODI series against Zimbabwe in August. While he was originally supposed to return for India’s T20I and ODI series against West Indies earlier that month, COVID-19 delayed Rahul‘s return.

Since his return, Rahul has played five T20I matches and has scored 0, 36, 28, 6 and 62 runs. However, he has been criticised for slow run rates and wasting valuable balls and according to some experts, he needs to find his rhythm from the IPL back otherwise India needs to look elsewhere for opening options.

Rishabh Pant

The left-handed wicketkeeper batter has impressed in Test and ODIs for some time, however, has struggled in T20Is. Pant was part of India’s T20I squads against England and Asia Cup 2022. He scored 14, 17 and an undefeated 20 runs in three innings at the Asia Cup and looked uncomfortable. Many have called for the inclusion of Dinesh Karthik instead of Pant in the T20 World Cup matchday squad and if Pant wants to make it, he will have to prove it against Australia and South Africa. 

Also Read: India vs Australia 1st T20I: Records, statistics and pitch report

Harshal Patel

The right-arm medium is coming back from a long injury and he will be looking to get back in form as soon as possible for the T20 World Cup in October. Harshal Patel is one of the most trustworthy bowlers for India and in the absence of Mohammed Shami, his form will be of paramount importance for the Men in Blue at the T20 World Cup. A good performance against Australia will also help his confidence at the upcoming T20 World Cup.