The recently concluded Twenty20 International series between Australia and India lacked star power; players like Steve Smith, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, and Rohit Sharma did not participate. However, the bilateral series was very beneficial to a number of fringe players, as it served as a trial for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, which will be held in the USA and the West Indies the following year.
The following players are capable of making their respective teams’ rosters for the T20I cricket major event:
1.Ravi Bishnoi (India)
In white-ball cricket, the youthful right-arm spinner is maintaining his stellar international career.
With India, he was exceptional. In five matches, he claimed nine wickets at an economy rate of just 8.20, three more than any other player.
Following a thumping of the pacers in the first three overs of the powerplay, Bishnoi became India’s go-to man for a breakthrough, and he picked up wickets with relative ease. He was named “Player of the Series” for his efforts.
He may be competing with players such as Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravi Ashwin for a few slow bowling spots, but Ravi has shown enough in the 21 Twenty20 Internationals that have been played thus far to warrant a mention. He has taken 34 wickets at an economy rate of slightly over seven and an average of 17.38.
2).Jason Behrendorff (Australia)
Because of the presence of the big three pacers, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, Behrendorff has struggled to find a regular spot in the side since making his debut for his country in 2017. However, he once again put himself forward for selection in a major tournament during this series.
In four games, he took six wickets, with his best total of 2/32 in the fourth Twenty20 International. Behrendorff had the most economical economy rate of any Australian bowler this series, at just 6.68, which was his most impressive bowling attribute. Behrendorff dominated the powerplay in the fourth Twenty20 International, limiting India’s run scoring.
3).Rinku Singh (India)
The five matches that Rinku has played have not changed much in face value despite his 105 runs, but those who have followed the matches are aware of the rising left-hander’s true potential as a finisher. He was the only batter with an astounding 175, strike rate. His last-over fours and sixes proved to be very helpful for India, providing them with an extra 15-20 runs to contend with a strong Australian side.
4).Tanveer Sangha (Australia)
Despite his young age and just nine international appearances, the Australian spinner has already made a name for himself and seems to be a valuable asset going forward.
Having played in all five of the Indian matches, Sangha finished with five wickets overall, his best coming in the fourth game of the series with a full spell of 2/30.
Only two of Australia’s wicket-takers bowled at a more economical economy rate during the series, and if Sangha is chosen, he has enough weapons in his toolbox to make life difficult for opposing batsmen in the West Indies and the USA.
Even though Sangha is likely to trail Australia’s top spinner Adam Zampa in the spinner rankings, he seems like the most prudent choice to travel as a backup for the T20 World Cup.
5).Ruturaj Gaikwad (India)
India’s Ruturaj Gaikwa India has plenty of top-order batting options in the game’s shortest format, and Gaikwad consistently shines when given the opportunity to play for his country. In the third match of the series, the right-hander amassed an incredible 123*. With 223 runs overall, more than any other player over the five matches, he became India’s only century-maker in the Twenty20 International series. Gaikwad could easily partner captain Rohit Sharma at the top of India’s batting order at the 2019 T20 World Cup if selectors decide to go that route. Gaikwad finished the previous IPL season among the top 10 run scorers as well.
