India vs Australia 2019: India's Predicted XI for the first T20I

Middle Order

#4 Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant

This series will be a chance for Rishabh Pant to prove his mettle before the World Cup. India have shown immense faith in him, but he has often got starts and not been able to convert them into big scores.

Pant provides a wicketkeeping and finishing option to the team, in case MS Dhoni suffers an injury. He was in good form against NZ as well, where he scored 81 runs in 3 matches.

If Pant scores in this series, he might become the final No. 4 for India in the World Cup.

#5 Mahendra Singh Dhoni

MS Dhoni

The legendary wicketkeeper regained his lost touch against Australia and New Zealand, but slightly lost it again in the T20s against the latter.

However, he has a good chance to regain his form against Australia. And playing at home provides him with a perfect chance to do so.

Also, with his place in the WC fixed, he will also play a crucial role behind the stumps and in guiding young players.

All-rounders

#6 Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya had a rollercoaster tour against New Zealand. He scored 61 runs in 2 innings, which included a 22 ball 45 in the fifth ODI, which increased his reputation as a finisher even further.

However, he could not continue this form in T20s, where he could manage just 25 runs in 2 innings. India will expect him to be more consistent against Australia.

#7 Vijay Shankar

Vijay Shankar

Ever since his disappointing performance against Bangladesh in the Nidahas Trophy, Vijay Shankar has improved a lot. He showed his class in the 5th ODI against New Zealand, where he scored 45 runs to pull India out of danger after they were reeling at 18-4.

Shankar continued his dream run in the T20s as well, scoring 84 runs in 3 matches. He has been given an opportunity again, and if he is able to put up a good performance here, he might become a headache for the selectors.