India have got a wake-up call in Brisbane. They now need to buckle up to go hard at the Australians in the remainder of the series.
Melbourne: The win in the first T20I in Brisbane was exactly what Australia needed. After the four-run win over favourites India has given them a great deal of confidence and the pressure would now be on the visitors to win two games on the trot if they have to win the series.
Strengths
India's biggest strength has to be their batting, with a formidable top four comprising Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli. India need at least one of them to score big. The bowling line-up made up of Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Kuldeep Yadav can trouble any opposition.
Weaknesses
India's batting is a bit shaky after the top four. The problem gets compounded when you consider that an expert finisher like MS Dhoni is not in the squad. On the bowling front, the fifth bowler looks to be India's Achilles heel, with both Krunal Pandya and Khaleel Ahmed taking a pasting at the Gabba.
Players under spotlight
The spotlight will be on the top four of the India's batting line-up. Barring Dhawan, none of the others lived up to their billing at the Gabba, and it would be incumbent on them to do their bit if India are to have any chance of bouncing back in the series.
Team combination
Both Khaleel and Krunal had a tough time bowling against the power-hitters Chris Lynn and Glenn Maxwell in Brisbane. There is a case, therefore, for wrist-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal to get a look in. The experienced Umesh Yadav could also be brought in and unleashed against his former Kolkata Knight Riders teammate Lynn.
Strengths
Both Maxwell and Lynn just need two-three overs in the middle to take the match away from the opposition. Australia also have some able bowlers like knuckle-ball maestro Andrew Tye, the skilful Adam Zampa and the resilient Marcus Stoinis in their ranks.
Weaknesses
Australia found themselves in a spot of bother against the spin of Kuldeep. In the bowling department, a sustained attack can expose the Australians' lack of depth. Remember, in Brisbane, captain Aaron Finch had to go back to Tye with four overs to go, even after he gave away 25 runs in his previous over.
Player under spotlight
Lynn showed a glimpse of what he's capable of in the first T20I and Australia would hope he can do a lot more of that this series.
Team combination
Australia might open with Lynn and D'Arcy Short might play at number three. Lynn has shown in T20 leagues the world over how deadly he can be in the powerplay and the hosts would be best served having Lynn opening.
India have got a wake-up call in Brisbane. They now need to buckle up to go hard at the Australians in the remainder of the series.
(With stats inputs from Manoj Kumar)
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