Players to Watch Out for in the India vs Australia ODI Face-off

Before the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, there’s an exciting ODI series on the horizon. India will face Australia, on September 22. This series serves as the final test for both teams before the mega event. In this article, we’ll delve into the players who are set to steal the spotlight in the first two ODIs of this much-anticipated clash.

Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill, the young Indian opener, is a name that has been reverberating in international cricket circles. Known for his elegant batting technique and an impeccable ability to anchor innings, Gill is a rising star. Scoring an astonishing 1052 runs in 18 matches this year, including five centuries, Gill boasts an average of 70.13 and an impressive strike rate of 104. In the Asia Cup 2023, he emerged as the highest run-scorer with 302 runs in six matches, including one century. Gill’s remarkable consistency and ability to play match-winning innings make him a player to watch closely.

Glenn Maxwell

                                                                      Glenn Maxwell(Photo Source: Twitter)

Glenn Maxwell, the Australian all-rounder, is a game-changer with his explosive batting and handy off-spin. While his recent form may not have been stellar, with just 8 runs in one match this year, Maxwell’s overall record against India is noteworthy. He has scored 921 runs in 29 matches with an average of 36.84 and a striking strike rate of 137. Maxwell’s ability to turn games with his explosive batting and crucial breakthroughs will be pivotal in this series.

Steve Smith

                                                                          Steve Smith(Photo Source: Twitter)

Steve Smith, the former Australia captain and a modern-day batting great, is known for his unorthodox yet effective technique and incredible consistency. While he may have struggled for form in recent ODIs, managing only 22 runs in 2 matches, his track record against India in ODIs is exceptional. Smith has amassed 1145 runs in 24 matches at an impressive average of 57.25. His ability to hold the innings together and perform under pressure makes him a significant threat to the opposition.

Shreyas Iyer

                                                                         Shreyas Iyer(Photo Source: Twitter)

Shreyas Iyer, the dynamic Indian middle-order batter, has been making waves with his mature and aggressive batting style. Although he faced several setbacks this year, including injuries that kept him out of major tournaments, Iyer’s reputation for being mentally tough and his desire to make a strong comeback makes him a player to watch. If he can regain full fitness, his aggressive batting and ability to counter the Australian bowlers will be a valuable asset for India.

Ravichandran Ashwin

                                                                               Ravichandran Ashwin(Photo Source: Twitter)

His mastery of spin, ability to extract turn and bounce from any surface, and wicket-taking capabilities in the middle overs make him a game-changer. Despite not featuring in ODIs for a while, injuries to other players have given Ashwin an opportunity to shine. His battles with Australian batters, especially in the middle phase of the innings, will be intriguing and could significantly impact the series.

The India vs. Australia 1st ODI face-off promises to be a thrilling encounter with a multitude of star players taking the field. Shubman Gill, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Shreyas Iyer, and Ravichandran Ashwin are just a few of the standout performers who could determine the outcome of the matches. As the cricketing world tunes in, it’s time to witness these players showcase their skills and make their mark on this crucial series leading up to the ICC ODI World Cup 2023.