Match Preview: India vs Australia, Australia in India 2023 5th T20I

Heading into the 5th T20I in Bengaluru, India, with a series lead, faces Australia in what promises to be a high-octane clash. After varied contests, from run-fests to balanced games, Bengaluru's pitch, known for its run-scoring nature, sets the stage for another thrilling encounter. With India's recent changes and Australia’s limited squad options, the match presents unique challenges, especially considering the quick turnaround time.

Form Guide - India: WLWWW

India's recent T20I form, marked by a sequence of WLWWW, showcases their strength and resilience in the format. The team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, has demonstrated an ability to rise to the occasion under pressure, with individual players making significant contributions. Notably, Jitesh Sharma, in his series debut, scored an impactful 19-ball 35 in Raipur, demonstrating his potential in high-pressure situations.

Rinku Singh also emerged as more than just a finisher, exhibiting the technique needed to set up totals effectively. However, the fast-bowling unit has been an area of concern, although Deepak Chahar's return from injury and his performance later in the game provides a positive outlook. The team is looking forward to a more comprehensive performance from the fast bowlers in the upcoming match.

Form Guide - Australia: LWLLW

Australia's recent T20I form is a mixed bag with an LWLLW record. The team, facing a tight turnaround of under 48 hours, has experienced challenges but players like Travis Head, Tanveer Sangha, and Matthew Short, who have been in India since the ODI World Cup, bring valuable continuity and experience. Australia has extensively rotated their squad, trying out 19 players in the series to manage fatigue.

Their batting lineup, though effective against fast bowlers, has struggled against Indian spinners Ravi Bishnoi and Axar Patel. The Bengaluru pitch, less favourable to spin, might offer them some respite. The team aims to end their India tour on a high, hoping to find balance and consistency in their performance.

Players to Watch

Yashasvi Jaiswal

In the current T20I series, barring the third match, Yashasvi Jaiswal has consistently provided India with rapid starts, though he's yet to stay beyond the powerplay overs. His run-scoring prowess in the initial six overs is unmatched in the series, with Jaiswal topping the charts and maintaining a striking rate of 174.62, only second to Travis Head's 194.11.

The Indian team management is hopeful for Jaiswal to extend his impactful starts into more substantial innings. His early T20I career has been impressive, with two fifties and a century in just 11 innings, indicating his potential for significant contributions in Bengaluru.

Aaron Hardie

Aaron Hardie, on the other hand, is yet to make a notable impact in T20Is. However, the conditions at Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium seem ideally suited to his preferences, favouring his style that thrives on pace and the ball coming onto the bat. Hardie's successful 2022-23 BBL season, where he emerged as the top run-scorer, is indicative of his capabilities.