In focus: These players will be under the scanner during the Australia series

Tags: India tour of Australia 2016, India, Australia, Yuvraj Singh, Ashish Nehra

Published on: Dec 21, 2015

The Indian team for the one-day and T20 series to be played in Australia early next year has been announced. While a few veterans are back in the reckoning, some new faces have also been included

The Indian team for the one-day and T20 series to be played in Australia early next year has been announced. While a few veterans are back in the reckoning, some new faces have also been included. And, these players will be under the scanner as India face the Aussie Down Under. Here’s a look at some players who will be extremely keen to make an impact.

Yuvraj Singh: The veteran left-hander may not have made it to the one-day squad, but he has been chosen in T20 outfit. He has been in excellent form in the Vijay Hazare series, as a result of which, the selectors have found it difficult to ignore him. The last time he played a T20 was during the 2014 World T20 final, during which he struggled in his 11. Clearly, he will have a point to prove as he makes a comeback into the Indian team.

Ashish Nehra: Rather unexpectedly, Nehra makes an international comeback at the age of 36. And, that too in the T20 format. He has only played eight T20s, but has an impressive record, averaging 21. Nehra has impressed constantly in the IPL, and Dhoni has immense faith in him. His selection clearly has been made keeping the World T20 in India. Nehra will thus be on notice in Australia.

Mohammed Shami: For the first time since the 2015 World Cup semi-finals, Shami has been chosen for India. Shami who had played the series through injury, and had done exceedingly well, will be keen to make a mark on his comeback. In his absence, India struggled in the pace bowling department. With him back among the reckoning, India would hope that their fast bowling woes are alleviated to an extent.

Brainder Sran: The left-arm seamer from Punjab has received his maiden call up to the Indian team after an impressive domestic season. Sran has claimed 34 scalps in 11 first-class matches. In addition, he also has 14 wickets in six Vijay Hazare matches. He has been among the more impactful bowlers on the domestic circuit in recent time. The 23-year-old would be keen to utilise his chance for now.

Rishi Dhawan: The Himachal Pradesh all-rounder has been on the fringes of selection for a few months now. The selectors found it difficult to ignore him for the Australia series. Dhawan has scored over 250 runs in the Vijay Hazare series, including a wonderful 117. He is highly rated on the Indian circuit, and will want to make a mark Down Under.

Hardik Pandya: Another all-rounder has also made it to the T20 squad. Pandya, who plays for Baroda in domestic cricket, has been a key figure for Mumbai Indians in the IPL. He played a key role for the team with some crucial cameos as Mumbai went on to clinch the trophy. He can definitely be in the fray for a place in the World T20 squad if he does well in Australia.

--By A Cricket Analyst

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