Canberra is all set to host the first T20I between India and Australia, and as is the case always, there are a few tough selection calls that coach Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav will have to take. Yes, form is always a consideration, but it seems that from the selected squad, just about everyone deserves to be in the playing XI.
Varun Chakravarthy vs Kuldeep Yadav
Since these matches are Down Under, it is pretty clear that the management will only go with one wrist spinner, between Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy. The skill level and what they bring to the table is totally different, but it seems that both will get match-time in the series, even if one misses out at the Manuka Oval.
To compare stats between the two — Kuldeep has picked up 86 wickets in 47 encounters, at an economy of 6.70. On the other hand, Chakravarthy has 40 in 24 outings at an economy of 6.89.
Sanju Samson vs Jitesh Sharma
It is a no-brainer for now, as Sanju Samon is clearly ahead in the race with Jitesh Sharma. But then, one has to also consider Samson’s form, and Jitesh’s ability to score quickly. If India can wrap up the series early, they would certainly consider to give Jitesh some match time.
Sanju, as it is, is going through a poor run of form this year, where he has scored 183 runs in 12 matches, and at average of 20 in 2025. Jitesh hasn’t played a match after he was recalled to the team.
Additional pacer vs additional spinner
Looking at the bowlers — there is Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Chakravarthy, Kuldeep, Washington Sundar and Axar Patel. So, would India go with an additional spinner apart from the two all-rounders, or an extra pacer?
Given the conditions on offer in Australia, it should be pacer.. but then no one can be certain of the way team selection goes. For argument sake, it should be — Bumrah, Harshit, Arshdeep, and Shivam, in the pace department along with Axar, and Kuldeep.
Harshit Rana vs Washington Sundar
It is just like comparing apples to oranges, but the choice gets tricky here. Gambhir prefers all-rounders in the team, but Rana has been slowly starting to perform well for the country. This call purely will be based on the type of wicket presented to the Indians. But as of now, Harshit, due to the nature of pitches in general in AUS, could be the choice.
India squad: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar.
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