India vs Australia 1st T20: 6 things to watch out for in IND vs AUS T20 series

It is quite unusual for an Indian team to be termed favourite in Australia, but hosts' problem both on and off the field has made India the firm favourites this time. India have won its previous seven T20I series dating back to November 2017, and its last defeat in the format was against West Indies in July last year. On the other hand, Australia are yet to win a T20I series against an opposition of note since March, when the infamous ball-tampering scandal took place. Anything short of a series win will be an upset for India. (Image: AFP)

Much have been said and written about the Australian team's new 'attitude'. It is mind-boggling to see that it is India who are being considered the more agressive side before this series. It will be interesting to see how Australia behave specially under pressure from India in their own den. Will the polite Australia play the series or the 'bullies' of yesteryears will show up? The T20 series may offer some preview. (Image: Reuters)

The one significant change for India ahead of this series is the return of skipper Virat Kohli, who was rested for the three-match contest against West Indies at home. All eyes will be on how the Aaron Finch-led Australian side deals with the best batsman in world cricket at the moment.
While there are calls from all quarters for Australian cricket to keep a check on aggression and play the game in right spirit, Kohli has always garnered attention whenever he has visited here. South African skipper Faf du Plessis has professed a "silent treatment" to Kohli and it remains to be seen if the Australian cricketers and the public can ignore him at all. (Image: AFP)

Kohli's return to the side means that one front-line batsman will have to make way. In England, the skipper batted at number four, allowing KL Rahul to bat at number three. Ambati Rayudu has staked a good claim for the No. 3 or 4 slot while Dinesh Karthik and Rishabh Pant will also be looking to secure their places in the squad. Pant will also don the keeping gloves and all eyes will be on whether he can replace MS Dhoni in the side. (Image: Reuters)

The bigger concern for India is to find a balance in their bowling attack in Hardik Pandya's absence. With ample bounce anticipated on the Gabba pitch, three pacers - Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah and Khaleel Ahmed - are certain starters. The spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal have been retained in the final 12 but remains to be seen if both make the playing XI on Wednesday. (Image: Reuters)

While T20 may be quite a different format, the winner of the series will take the psychological advantage before the all-important Test series. India would be hoping to dominate the three T20Is to assert themselves as favourites for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Australia will look the pocket the series to boost their confidence against a better side on paper. (Image: AFP)