In the next four days, India is set to play against Australia again after the final loss. The first match of the five-match T20 series begins today in Visakhapatnam. Many feel it’s somewhat meaningless for the finalists of the World Cup to play again.
Ahead of this series, India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav, disappointed by the World Cup loss, is once again facing the prospect of a World Cup final. Surya, set to lead India in this series, emphasized the team’s need to play despite the disappointment.
Suryakumar Yadav was the only player from the World Cup final squad included in the T20 series. Apart from him, the team has two more players—wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan and pacer Prasidh Krishna. Shreyas Iyer will join for the last two T20s.
Surya couldn’t perform in the World Cup final, scoring only 18 runs off 28 balls. Despite leading India in this series, he expressed the need to move forward despite the World Cup loss. He highlighted the presence of new talent and a fresh series ahead.
In the Australian squad, eight members of the World Cup-winning team have returned home. Among them is wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey. The team still has captain Pat Cummins, pacer Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, batsmen David Warner, Marcus Labuschagne, all-rounder Cameron Green, and Mitchell Marsh.
For India in the T20 series, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Adam Zampa, Marcus Stoinis, Sean Abbott, Glenn Maxwell, and Josh Inglis are playing. The absence of some key players from the Australian squad may affect their performance in this series after the exertions of the World Cup.
Carey mentioned the challenges of splitting for different series and returning home. He acknowledged the stark contrast of winning the World Cup and having to get back on the field within a few days.
The India-Australia T20 series was scheduled long ago but was delayed due to the pandemic. With ICC’s obligations, there’s no room for rescheduling or cancellation.
The anticipation for this series might not be as high given the recent World Cup showdown, but it still promises thrilling cricket from both sides.
