The recently concluded T20I series between India and Australia & It’s not uncommon for teams to experiment and test their bench strength in series leading up to major tournaments, such as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The absence of some first-choice players provided an opportunity for fringe performers to showcase their skills and stake a claim for a spot in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
These series serve as a valuable platform for emerging players to prove their mettle on the international stage. The selectors and team management often use such opportunities to assess the depth of talent in the squad and identify players who can handle the pressure of high-profile tournaments.
It will be interesting to see how the performances of these fringe players influence the team selection for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and whether they manage to secure a place in the final squad. As the tournament approaches, the competition for spots is likely to intensify, adding an extra layer of excitement to the selection process.
Five players that boosted their chances:
1. Ravi Bishnoi:
Ravi Bishnoi’s outstanding performance in the recent T20I series has solidified his position as a rising star in Indian cricket. Claiming the Player of the Series award, the 23-year-old right-arm spinner showcased his prowess by securing nine wickets across five matches, outperforming all other bowlers. With an impressive economy rate of 8.20, the second-best among Indian bowlers, Bishnoi displayed a crucial balance of wicket-taking ability and economical bowling. As he competes for a spot in the T20 World Cup squad against seasoned spinners like Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravi Ashwin, Bishnoi’s standout performances have underscored his capability to play a vital role in the team’s slow bowling department, making a compelling case for his inclusion in future tournaments.
2. Jason Behrendorff:
Jason Behrendorff’s impactful performance in the T20I series against India has once again highlighted his prowess as a left-arm pacer and his potential value to the Australian cricket team. A notable figure in Australia’s pace attack during the 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, Behrendorff demonstrated his skills with a standout showing in the recent series. His six wickets across four appearances, coupled with a stellar performance of 2/32 in the fourth match, showcased his wicket-taking ability. However, what set him apart was his remarkable economy rate of 6.68 runs per over, the best among all Australian bowlers in a series dominated by batsmen. At 33 years old, Behrendorff’s experience and economical bowling make him a compelling candidate for Australia’s T20 World Cup squad, adding depth and reliability to the team’s formidable bowling attack.
3. Rinku Singh:
Rinku Singh’s contributions in the T20I series against Australia may not be immediately eye-catching in terms of total runs, with 105 from four innings, but his performances hold a crucial factor that could prove vital for India at the upcoming T20 World Cup. The hard-hitting left-hander’s standout attribute is his impressive strike rate of 175, surpassing all other Indian players. Rinku showcased his ability to accelerate innings and close them out with boundary-hitting prowess, a quality that sets him apart. His match-winning composure in the opening game, where he delivered under pressure on the final delivery, and a rapid 31* off nine deliveries in the following match, contributing to India’s massive total, underline his potential impact. With the ability to be a boundary-hitting match-winner, the 26-year-old Rinku Singh presents a compelling option for India’s T20 World Cup squad, providing selectors with a valuable asset in crucial situations.
4. Tanveer Sangha:
Tanveer Sangha’s emergence as a promising spinner for Australia was evident in the T20I series against India, despite having only nine international appearances under his belt. His consistent performances showcased his potential as a valuable asset for the future. In all five matches, Sangha claimed a total of five wickets, with his best figures being 2/30 in the fourth game. Notably, only two Australian bowlers had a more efficient economy rate during the series, indicating Sangha’s ability to control the flow of runs.
While he may currently be behind the first-choice spinner, Adam Zampa, in the pecking order, Sangha’s diverse skill set and impressive performances position him as a logical choice to travel as a backup. The young spinner’s ability to make an impact with the ball makes him a valuable option for Australia, especially in tournaments like the T20 World Cup, where spin bowling can play a crucial role. If chosen, Sangha has the potential to pose difficulties for opposition batters, particularly in conditions like those expected in the USA and West Indies.
5. Ruturaj Gaikwad:
Ruturaj Gaikwad has once again showcased his prowess as a top-order batsman for India in the T20I series, reinforcing the team’s wealth of options in this format. Gaikwad’s standout performance came in the third match, where he notched an impressive unbeaten century with 123 runs. His series aggregate of 223 runs was the highest among all players, highlighting his consistency and ability to anchor the innings.
Having also finished among the top 10 run-scorers in the previous year’s IPL, Gaikwad has been making a compelling case for a permanent spot in the Indian batting lineup. His ability to form a potent opening partnership, possibly alongside captain Rohit Sharma, positions him as a strong candidate for India’s top-order in the T20 World Cup. Gaikwad’s recent run-scoring exploits demonstrate his potential to be a key contributor at the global stage, and selectors may indeed consider him as a vital component of India’s batting lineup in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
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