IND vs AUS, 1st T20I: Fantasy Suggestions

Australia will cross swords against hosts India in the first T20I of the three-match series in Mohali at 7.00 PM IST today. 

As both teams look incredibly strong on paper, we expect a cracking contest in this match. Before the clash begins, let's analyse who could be the top fantasy picks for this encounter. 

Must Picks

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli in action versus Australia [PC: Twitter]

Hailed as India's run machine, Virat Kohli has always enjoyed astounding success against Australia, amassing 718 runs at a magnificent average of 59.83 and an impressive strike rate of 146.23. He regained his mojo in the Asia Cup 2022, finishing the tournament as India's top-scorer with 276 runs at a strike rate of 147.59. 

Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell playing reverse sweep [PC: Twitter]

Australia's swashbuckling all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has slammed 431 runs at a blistering strike rate of 146.59 against India. He emerged as Australia's saviour with the bat the last time they toured India for a T20I series. 

Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah in action against Australia [PC: Twitter]

India's T20 spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, is returning to the national team after a long injury hiatus. However, considering his immense calibre to knock down any batting lineup, you can't afford to drop him from your fantasy team. Also, Bumrah is India's most successful bowler against Australia, with 15 wickets from 11 innings. 

Expert's choice

Josh Hazlewood

Hazlewood can be lethal with the new ball [PC: Twitter]

The surface in Mohali will offer some movement to the seamers. As Josh Hazlewood is a prolific new-ball bowler, we expect him to get some early wickets. So, if India bat first, we advise you to keep Hazlewood in your team.

KL Rahul

Rahul has played many games in Mohali [PC: Twitter]

Yes, the recent form of KL Rahul has been a matter of concern for him and the Indian team. But he has a plethora of experience playing in Mohali and has done exceptionally well at the venue (448 IPL runs at an average of 49.78 and a strike rate of 144.52). 

Moreover, the track in Mohali will be ideal for playing shots, so we expect KL Rahul to star with the bat in this game. 

Adam Zampa 

Zampa bowled superbly in 2021 T20 WC [PC: Twitter]

Experienced leg-spinner Adam Zampa has been prolific with the ball in T20Is recently. Since 2021, Zampa has scalped 32 wickets in 26 T20I outings at a superb economy of 7.03. Further, he has enjoyed decent success against India, grabbing nine wickets at an economy of 6.12. 

Risky Picks

Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma in action against Australia [PC: Twitter]

Indian captain Rohit Sharma is regarded as one of the greatest T20I batters of all time. But unfortunately, he has failed to replicate the same success against Australia at home, scoring only 318 runs at an ordinary average of 22.71. 

Additionally, his recently adopted aggressive batting in the powerplay involves risk. And we honestly don't see him succeeding with his new approach against the prolific new-ball pair of Cummins and Hazlewood. 

Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins with David Warner [PC: Twitter]

Although Mohali's track will offer some movement early on, it will definitely assist batters with the game's progression. So, Pat Cummins, who primarily relies on the slowness of the surface to execute his cutters, will likely find it tough to get going at this venue, particularly in the death overs. So, we consider him a risky pick for this game. 

Also Read: IND vs AUS, 1st T20I: Preview, Key Matchups and Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips