Indian National Cricket team vs Australia 2019 |
Virat Kohli and Aaron Finch. Credit: Getty Images

Before the much-awaited four-match Test series, India and Australia will lock horns in six white-ball games – three T20Is and as many ODIs. While both sides will undoubtedly be having one eye towards the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the ICC World Test Championship, it is imperative to note that ODIs carry as much weightage now. And India and Australia could not afford to ignore that.

The ICC has added more context to One-day cricket by introducing the World Cup Super League that serves as a qualification path to the 2023 World Cup. With top seven teams attaining automatic qualification, all sides need to be at their absolute best without taking any series lightly. Undeniably, India and Australia would be aware of the same and must be aiming to do well in the rubber.

We take a look at five players to watch out for in the India-Australia ODI series:

Navdeep Saini:

Navdeep Saini
Navdeep Saini (Credits: Twitter)

With Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami unlikely to play all the limited-over games, Navdeep Saini’s role will carry more relevancy. Navdeep Saini made his international debut in December 2019 and has added an extra layer of pace-bowling depth to India’s limited-overs line-up. His stats of five wickets in five games at 60.20 might not reflect on his potential of a rising star.

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Not only does the 27-year old has to control the run-flow but also has to pick wickets by combining pace with relentless accuracy. Saini, who was part of Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2020, performed well in patches without maintaining consistency. The right-arm speedster has to step up and take the opportunity to show his mettle. Saini also displayed his potential as a handy batsman in the second ODI against New Zealand this year.

 

Marcus Stoinis:

Australia vs India 2020-21: Five Players To Watch Out For In The ODI Series
Marcus Stoinis (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Marcus Stoinis could not respond to his recall to Australia’s ODI squad with burgeoning performances in England. Marcus Stoinis batted at number three instead of Steve Smith, who could not feature in the ODIs due to concussion. In three games, Stoinis managed only 56 runs with the best score of 43 along with no victims.

Nevertheless, the all-rounder turned it on for the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2020 with powerful performances with the bat and contributing encouragingly with the ball. In 17 matches, the 31-year old slammed 352 runs with a strike rate of 148.52 with three fifties alongside 13 wickets. With such a form, the hosts are likely to stick with Stoinis and in turn, he would be keen to prove his worth.

 

KL Rahul:

KL Rahul
KL Rahul (Credits: Twitter)

It’s been a meteoric rise for KL Rahul in the last few months in the limited-overs circuit. Until late 2019, KL Rahul was not a regular fixture in limited-overs cricket and was merely a reserve opening batsman. However, his ability to keep wickets and scoring runs at the same time, guaranteed him a spot in white-ball cricket. The 28-year old has also been handed over the vice-captaincy for the Australian tour.

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The vice-captaincy came on the back of his encouraging leadership skills he showed as the skipper of Kings XI Punjab. Though Kings XI Punjab did not reach the playoffs, Rahul grew in the role, suggesting he is ready for the same. Most of all, the right-handed batsman bagged the Orange Cap, hammering 670 runs in 14 games at 55.83. With Rohit Sharma set to miss the limited-overs leg, nothing can stop Rahul from batting at the top and get back in business.

 

Marnus Labuschagne:

Australia vs India 2020-21: Five Players To Watch Out For In The ODI Series
Marnus Labuschagne. (Credits: Twitter)

Marnus Labuschagne has been in the form of his life in the Test arena, but that would have to wait a little more. And before that Marnus Labuschagne would be keen to prove that he is as competent in ODI cricket too. The right-handed batsman has 394 runs in ten games at 43.77 with a century and two fifties, suggesting a highly promising start.

With Steve Smith likely to miss the white-ball games, Australia could promote Labuschagne at number three in the line-up. The South African-born is a like-for-like replacement for the former Australian captain and is known for accumulating by playing spin-bowling well. Unlike his performances in the ODIs in England, the 26-year old must go big on his promising starts.

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Adam Zampa:

Australia vs India 2020-21: Five Players To Watch Out For In The ODI Series
Adam Zampa. Credits: Twitter.

Adam Zampa was the best bowler in Australia’s ODI series victory in England, accounting for ten wickets in three games at 14.20 and an economy rate of 4.73. Adam Zampa was also the most threatening one when Australia visited India earlier this year for a three-match ODI series, keeping a check on mainly the Indian captain. He will fancy his chances once again them.

Not only does the Indian captain, but the rest of the batsmen also struggle against wrist-spin. Skipper Aaron Finch would be aiming to expose the same by tying down the run-flow in the middle-overs through picking wickets. Against India, Zampa has 20 ODI scalps- the most by him against any team in One-day international cricket. The 27-year old could also be rendered unlucky for not getting enough opportunities in IPL.

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