Even though the series outcome is likely determined, the fifth T20I between India and Australia is expected to deliver excitement. The previous four matches have been thrilling, high-scoring affairs with standout performances, featuring remarkable centuries by Ruturaj Gaikwad and Glenn Maxwell.
The final match will be at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium, known for being great for batting. Batsmen will likely enjoy it due to short boundaries and a good pitch.
The fifth T20I is surrounded by numerous narratives, extending beyond the batsmen. As the hosts prepare for a tour of South Africa and the visitors seek redemption, an anticipated high-energy clash might unfold.
Here are three aspects to anticipate in the fifth T20I between India and Australia:
#1 Is India going to have another bowler in the game?
India, especially Suryakumar Yadav, has faced criticism for not introducing a sixth bowler in the series despite the matches being high-scoring. In the first three games, Tilak Varma seemed like the best choice, and Yashasvi Jaiswal is another batter capable of bowling.
However, Suryakumar has stuck with his five main bowlers, who have often been expensive. India’s reluctance to experiment with bowling options has contributed to their struggles in finding the right balance in white-ball formats.
With the series secured, there’s no reason why the hosts can’t take a bold approach and give either Tilak (if he plays) or Jaiswal a chance.
#2 Everyone will be watching Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal this Sunday
Yashasvi Jaiswal will be in focus for his batting performance. Although he has provided strong starts in the series, he’s yet to achieve a substantial score beyond 50.
As for Ruturaj Gaikwad, aside from his remarkable century that unfortunately ended in defeat, he hasn’t done enough to quiet his critics. The 26-year-old aims to conclude what could be a breakthrough series with another impressive performance.
Both Gaikwad and Jaiswal are part of India’s T20I squad for the upcoming South Africa tour. With Shubman Gill returning to the opening position, they seek to strengthen their cases as potential opening partners.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, uncertain about their T20I future, will closely observe the duo’s performances.
#3 How does India plan to manage the workloads of players heading to South Africa?
Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, and Avesh Khan are not part of India’s T20I squad for the upcoming South Africa tour. Meanwhile, several fringe players, including Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma, and Washington Sundar, have been selected.
How will India approach the final clash against Australia? Will they provide Dube an opportunity, considering he has been benched throughout the series and won’t travel to South Africa?
Is Axar expected to play, even though he won’t be part of the squad against the Proteas? The Men in Blue have crucial decisions to make in the middle order, and their choices will indicate the path they plan to follow in the future. With the 2024 T20 World Cup approaching, every move is under scrutiny.
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