For cricket fans in India, there’s always anxiety and anticipation whenever the Men in Blue prepare for a big tournament. Whether it is the World Cup or an ODI, the tension is palpable among the country’s millions-strong cricket fan base.
It is the same feeling that has accompanied the preparations for the 2020 India tour of Australia. The tour compromises three T20I, 3 ODI and four-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test Series.
There is a lot of interest in this tour which is the first time since 2018-19.
The last visit was fruitful for the Men in Blue after defeating Australia 2-1 in the four-match series. The Virat Kohli-led Indian team made history after registering their maiden Test series win on Australian soil.
If you are among the many cricket fans looking forward to some thrilling action Down Under, here are some Indian players to look out for.
Virat Kohli
The Indian skipper has been influential in guiding the Men in Blue over the last seven years. Today, Virat Kohli is the top-ranking ODI batsman in the world. Among the Indian batsmen, the skipper is outstanding in Test rating (937 points), T20I rating (897 points) and ODI rating (911 points). It will be a delight watching the captain lead his team.
There’s always a lot of talk surrounding Kohli, and you can catch the latest news, live-action, statistics, updates and so much more all in one place at Sportsadda.
Virat Kohli. Photo courtesy of Anand Anil/Wikipedia.org.
Rohit Sharma
The Indian batsman ranks second in ODI ICC player ranking with 855 points. In all rankings of top batsmen in the world today, Sharma makes an appearance, and this highlights his talent.
Sharma is the first player in ODI history to have scored three double hundreds. With live streaming available during the tour in Australia, cricket fans will enjoy seeing this amazing batsman in action.
Jasprit Bumrah
Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah might be unlucky due to injuries but there’s no denying the talent the pacer brings to the national team. When Indian faced its greatest cricket rival in 2017, Bumrah made the fastest delivery of his career, at a rate of 148.1 kph. This performance put him on records as one of the fastest bowlers in the sport.
Since his call to the Men in Blue ranks, Bumrah has evolved into an irreplaceable asset for his captain. As India tries to match its record-making performance of 2019, Bumrah is one player to watch.
Ishant Sharma
Sharma has a big tag of the next big thing in Indian cricket and for many good reasons. The lovely high-arm action from the tall man makes him a crucial asset for the team. He has broken records along the way including delivering the fastest ball ever bowled by an Indian (152.6 km/h). In 2014, he won Man of the Match award in the second innings of the Lord’s Test. He’s India’s lead pacer and will play a crucial role in Australia.
Shardul Thakur
The Chennai Super Kings player continues making an impact in ODI, T20 and the IPL. The presence of fast bowlers in the national team delayed his call up. The call eventually came in 2015/16 during the 41st Ranji Trophy victory. His emphatic performance at the time saw him become an important part of the team. His aggressive pace bowling is always fascinating to watch.
Final Thoughts
Cricket fans across the world are eagerly waiting for India’s tour of Australia. There’s always a lot of drama and quality play when these two greatest cricket teams meet. This list hints at some of the top players you should look out for.