Table of Contents
Middle Order
Virat Kohli (captain)
Virat Kohli was experimenting with his batting position in the recent T20s but with two specialist openers available in the team, Indian skipper will be coming on his favorite position i.e. 3. A series without a century is rare for Virat and the ODI series against Aussies is just one of them. Virat was not in his supreme form in the ODI series but he will eye this T20 series as compensation.
Hardik Pandya
Virat has already shown faith in the all-rounder Hardik Pandya at no. 4 in the ODIs and it will be no surprise if we see the same in T20s as well. Virat has said that Hardik can be the biggest asset for the team and he proved it with the man of the series award in the last series. And when it comes to this format, he completely owns this stage.
Manish Pandey
Manish Pandey is likely to come at number 5 in today’s game as he has shown a glimpse of his talent in the last series. Though he hasn’t been up to the mark so far in his international career, he is still the best option available; pinch-hitting with brilliance in the field gives Pandey an edge. If there is any chance for the change, Kedar Jadhav and Dinesh Karthik are on the bench.
MS Dhoni
Along with Virat and Rohit, this place is sealed with this name MS Dhoni. He is the cocksure name in the squad but his presence will be even more special today as the first match is in his hometown. Though India is playing with another keeper batsman in the squad, there is no room for anyone as long as Dhoni is there. If he gets the batting today, we can expect a loud cheer in the stadium.
