Raipur, November 6 — Team India prepares to reclaim the series lead against Australia in the fourth T20 International on Thursday at 1:45 PM IST. After two matches, the five-match T20I series is tied at 1-1. India eyes victory against a depleted Australian side lacking key players like Josh Hazlewood and Travis Head.
Australia’s recent performance shows cracks, especially after Head’s release to participate in Sheffield Shield as part of his Ashes preparations. Hazlewood’s absence was evident in Australia’s last match where they failed to defend a score of 186. With both players sidelined, Australia needs to quickly address these gaps to regain momentum.
For India, this match represents a golden opportunity to take a 2-1 lead ahead of the final battle at the Gabba. India’s last performance saw a more balanced team composition, featuring an all-rounder at No. 8, which added valuable depth in both batting and bowling.
Shubman Gill’s form has posed concerns for Team India. The vice-captain has struggled to find his rhythm, reaching six innings without a half-century. Recent scores include 10, 9, 24, 37*, 5, and 15. Despite fleeting moments of brilliance, particularly during a partnership with captain Suryakumar Yadav, Gill’s difficulties against fuller deliveries that move away from him continue to raise questions.
On a positive note, opener Abhishek Sharma remains a bright spot in the lineup. He has upheld his reputation as the world’s No. 1 T20 batter, contributing a solid half-century alongside two explosive starts. Sharma’s consistency has provided a much-needed anchor for the team.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav has also demonstrated flashes of brilliance in earlier games. He will aim to translate his promising starts into a significant innings, especially with the team preparing for a month-long break ahead of their series against South Africa.
Match starts at 1:45 PM IST.
Teams:
India: 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: 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.
