Raipur, November 6 — In a critical fourth T20I, Team India will face a depleted Australian side as they aim to take the lead in the five-match series, currently tied at 1-1. The match is scheduled for Thursday at 1:45 PM IST, providing India a chance to secure an advantageous position before the final encounter in Brisbane.
The absence of key players Josh Hazlewood and Travis Head significantly undermines Australia’s strength. Head has joined his state team, releasing him to participate in the Sheffield Shield to gear up for the Ashes. Likewise, Hazlewood’s absence became evident in the last match when Australia failed to defend a challenging total of 186, revealing cracks in their bowling lineup.
This match represents a golden opportunity for India to assert themselves. After a balanced performance in the prior game, the team looks more settled, with an all-rounder positioned at No. 8 enhancing both batting and bowling depth. India aims for victory, setting the stage to win the series ahead of a break before facing South Africa.
However, the spotlight remains on vice-captain Shubman Gill, who has not found his form this tour. The talented batsman has notched just a few runs over the past six innings, struggling with scores of 10, 9, 24, 37*, 5, and 15. Gill previously demonstrated flashes of brilliance during a partnership with captain Suryakumar Yadav but continues to falter against deliveries that move away from him.
On a positive note, opener Abhishek Sharma has consistently impressed, affirming his spot as the world’s No. 1 T20 batter. His recent half-century coupled with quick starts showcases his ability and form, providing a strong foundation for the team. Captain Suryakumar Yadav also seeks to translate early innings into substantial scores, hoping to add weight to the team’s performances.
India’s squad: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill (VC), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson (WK), Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar.
Australia’s squad: Mitchell Marsh (C), Matthew Short, Josh Inglis (WK), Josh Phillippe (WK), Mitchell Owen, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Kuhnemann, Adam Zampa, Mahli Beardman, Ben Dwarshuis, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Marcus Stoinis.
As both teams prepare for this thrilling encounter, cricket fans are left wondering if India can capitalize on Australia’s vulnerabilities. Can Shubman Gill capture his form? The answers unfold at Raipur as the teams clash.
