India vs Australia 2019: 1st T20I - India's Predicted Playing XI

India will once again lock horns with Australia in the first T20I at Vishakhapatnam on 24th February. Subsequently, it would be another chance for the players to push for the World Cup spots, even though it is going to be T20 format. The recent T20I series in Australia was tied between these teams. Consequently, it would be interesting to note who will go all the way in India. Meanwhile, we try to decode India’s Predicted Playing XI.

Virat Kohli has returned back to the squad and he would like to hit the ground running. Kohli was rested and he would like to be at the top of his game. Mayank Markande who has impressed in the first-class cricket has earned his maiden call-up.

Here is India’s Predicted Playing XI for the first T20I:

Rohit Sharma

India’s vice-captain has been in great form and he would like to deliver the goods. Consequently, the flamboyant right-hander will like to get a big score under his belt.

KL Rahul

KL Rahul can get his chance in place of Shikhar Dhawan. In fact, Rahul could be considered as a back-up opener in the World Cup squad and team management could throw a chance towards him.

Virat Kohli (c)

Indian captain Virat Kohli will return to the squad after getting rested from the fag end of the New Zealand tour. Meanwhile, Kohli will like to be at top of his game as he is a master in walking back to the International level.

Rishabh Pant 

Greenhorn batsman Rishabh Pant has impressed in the limited opportunities he has got in the shortest format. Hence, Pant will like to put his name in contention for the World Cup.

Dinesh Karthik

It was surprising to note the omission of Dinesh Karthik from the ODI squad. Thus, Karthik will be determined to once again prove his mettle in the shortest version.

Dhoni is back in form.

MS Dhoni (wk)

It is crucial that MS Dhoni plays most of the matches before the World Cup. In fact, Dhoni is back in form and it won’t be a bad idea to promote him up in the batting order.

Vijay Shankar

Vijay Shankar had impressed on the New Zealand tour. With Hardik Pandya ruled out due to back injury, it will open gates for more opportunities for Shankar who will like to grab it with both hands.

India will like to draw first blood.

Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya had done a good job on the tour of New Zealand. Thus, the southpaw all-rounder will like to continue with his good show in the series against Australia.

Yuzvendra Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal has come up with consistent performances in the recent past. Hence, the leg-spinner has done a decent job and he will like to hit the ground running.

Siddarth Kaul

Rookie pacer Siddarth Kaul has a plethora of variations in his bag and he can get his chance in the playing XI. In fact, Kaul didn’t get his opportunities on the tour of New Zealand and Australia.

Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah is going to return to the playing XI. Bumrah was rested from the ODI series against Australia and New Zealand. Hence, Bumrah will like to make a solid comeback.