As India put together to start their five-match T20I sequence in Australia beginning October 29 in Canberra, former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan has recognized the important thing influence gamers who might determine the competition.
Zaheer Khan names influence gamers forward of Australia vs India T20I sequence 2025
In response to Zaheer, Indian opener Abhishek Sharma and Australian southpaw Travis Head maintain the potential to be the X-factors for his or her respective sides in what guarantees to be an electrifying sequence. Abhishek has been India’s most dynamic performer within the format over the previous 12 months and enters the sequence in stellar type after being named Participant of the Event in India’s Asia Cup 2025 triumph. The younger left-hander at present sits atop the ICC T20I batter rankings and can look to proceed his purple patch on Australian soil.
However, regardless of Head’s current lean patch averaging simply 11.66 in 9 matches this 12 months the explosive opener’s file in opposition to India is a constructive indicator. He averages over 36 in opposition to the Males in Blue in T20Is at a strike fee exceeding 150 making him a significant risk notably at dwelling situations the place he has beforehand flourished
Zaheer Khan firmly believes India will head into the sequence as favorites contemplating their dominant type within the shorter format. Chatting with Cricbuzz the previous pacer highlighted the group’s consistency and stability throughout departments. He identified that the return of Jasprit Bumrah has considerably strengthened India’s bowling assault whereas the aggressive strategy of their batters continues to place opposition sides underneath strain. India have been practically unbeatable in T20Is successful 24 of their final 27 matches since their unbeaten run within the 2024 T20 World Cup within the West Indies and USA.
“They (India) needs to be favorites primarily based on how they’ve been occurring doing their enterprise on this format. It simply seems difficult for any group to beat this Indian aspect. Add to that Bumrah can be again in order that’s undoubtedly going to spice up the bowling aspect of issues. The batters have been fearless as nicely so it’s undoubtedly benefit India,” Zaheer mentioned.
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Zaheer sees alternative for Indian all-rounder’s growth
Aside from the top-order battle Zaheer burdened the significance of testing India’s all-round depth. He opined that the sequence presents a really perfect platform to evaluate Shivam Dube’s bowling contributions particularly within the absence of Hardik Pandya. Dube’s efficiency within the Asia Cup the place he took 5 wickets at a formidable financial system underneath 7.8 earned reward for his management and adaptableness.
Zaheer advised that India’s administration will monitor whether or not Dube can ship one or two overs repeatedly and supply stability to the aspect. His function grew to become important within the Asia Cup remaining in opposition to Pakistan the place he delivered underneath strain conceding simply 23 runs in three overs in the course of the powerplay.
“Whether or not they have sufficient religion in Shivam Dube to do the job stays to be seen. They tried that within the UAE when Hardik was not out there for the ultimate. In order that they’ll use this chance to see if Dube can put his hand up and contribute with one or two overs persistently,” he added.
As India and Australia open their T20I rivalry of 2025 all eyes shall be on how the rising stars like Abhishek and the seasoned campaigners comparable to Head form the narrative of this much-anticipated sequence.
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