5 keys for the Indian Cricket team to emerge victorious Down Under

After recent One-dayer failures against Bangladesh and South Africa, soon after World Cup semi-final elimination, the men in blue would be up against the world beaters, again, in their own backyard for a prolonged five One-dayers and three T-20s.In the twilight of 2015, many top players returned to their prime, which even included Yuvraj Singh who, consequently secured his place in the touring batch. Though MS Dhoni would be leading the team, again, with the dynamic Virat Kohli assuming vice-captaincy duties, but considering the strengthened line-up, with potential new players in the frame, it is high time for India to avenge on the depleted Aussies, for their World Cup loss, early last year. Nevertheless, the home team still has a deadly top 3 in their batting quarters, with a relatively healthy middle order in Matthew Wade and James Faulkner. It is, however, their bowling which would perhaps make the tussle an even one, with perhaps, the Indians possessing a better bowling unit.Here are 5 keys to victory for the tourists,

#1 Virat Kohli\'s run of form

Kohli’s record in ODIs against Australia, in Australia, has been dismal

This would perhaps be the biggest concern for the tourists, as their run-machine is currently enduring a lean patch, which included only a couple of centuries, in the last fifteen matches that he played. Virat showed glimpses of his prime, in Chennai, when he feasted upon the Proteas, to bring India back all square in the one-day series. His one-day record against Australia in Australia is also literally quite dismal, with a meagre average of under 15.

Nevertheless, there is hardly any doubt regarding the batter’s class, which he aptly orchestrated in the test series Down Under, last year, where he amassed four tons in eight outings. It would be a matter of time before he hits top gear and India would be earnestly hoping he gets that in Australia in the upcoming tour.

His return to form would further bolster the team’s morale and lend the much-needed depth to the Indian batting as well, which presently has only two in-form players in Rahane and Rohit Sharma.

#2 India\'s opening combo needs to show sharpness

Shikhar and Rohit will most probably open the innings for Men in Blue

Shikhar Dhawan endured a terrible home tour against the Proteas, in all formats as he failed to hit top notch, leaving Rohit Sharma with the bulk of work to do. His position, however, comes under threat, with Manish Pandey drawn in prospect. Incase Dhawan fails to light up in the early games, it might lend Manish Pandey his chance, which might turn out fruitful. The fact that India has options provides a lot of optimism.

Rohit Sharma’s excellent run of form would give India plenty of hope to start off well. Rohit had a fabulous 2015, where he notched 50 plus average with close to 900 runs. Though Dhawan averaged in mid-thirties but India would need more for him.

Compared to India, Australia’s opening explosive combo of Finch and Warner would definitely be performing well, so if India are to match that, the openers should start taking equivalent onus.

#3 MS Dhoni\'s finishing qualities

Dhoni needs to get his ‘finishing-game’ going again for the team

This is another concern which has to be dealt properly if India are to chase strong. MS Dhoni’s recent frailties in finishing the innings, especially in the second innings, has come under heavy criticism. Though he can still carve out his innings, in dire straits, batting first, yet while chasing, he has to perform better.

Considering he has a quality top order, it would be pretty much up to him, as the skipper and finisher, along with the tail all-rounders, to play a significant role at his designated slot.

Last year in Australia, Dhoni averaged a tick above 31, with a solitary fifty from ten outings. To add to his woes, his recent domestic performances in the Vijay-Harare series has not been that good( though Jharkhand reached the quarter-finals), losing heavily to Delhi.

As for India, they would be hoping Dhoni can get into the groove from the first One-dayer on, and prove again to his critics, he can still be deemed a reliable finisher.

#4 Effectiveness of the Indian Spinners

Ashwin and Jadeja will lead the Indian spin attack down-under

The fact that India’s go-to bowlers in Ravi Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have suddenly peaked, just before this tour, it would unquestionably bolster their bowling link. Though Ashwin’s record in Australia is completely opposite of his sensational wicket-taking calibre in India, yet consistency would again be the key.

The fact that India’s pace battery has been relatively under the pump, both home and away, both the spinners would have to take an additional role in containing the batters, in addition to wicket-taking spells. Quality spinners in Australia are surely a boon, especially on the tracks where medium-fast bowling becomes mincemeat for the batters. Jadeja’s consistency, which he regularly maintains, everywhere would be a good omen for the Indians and many would hope Ashwin to learn from his earlier mistakes and make adjustments.

The fact that these spinners are capable batters, would simply lengthen the Indian batting and provide the much-needed depth.

#5 Dismantling the cadet Aussie bowling link

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The fact that the Australians are in a rebuilding phase, after losing the likes of Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson and then Mitchell Starc through injury, their bowling department would feature many inexperienced bowlers in Kane Richardson, Joel Parris and Scott Boland.

For the Indians, it would be a matter of seeing of Josh Hazelwood and the wily James Faulkner, before launching assault on the rest of the pack. As for Steve Smith, his back-up options are restricted to Mitchell Marsh and Glen Maxwell. The unavailability of Nathan Lyon and Shane Watson, would be something worthy of exploitation by the Indian top order batters.

More importantly, Josh Hazelwood has played only 13 matches in his ODI career thus far and if he is taken out of the equation, Australia’s bowling would have major concerns.

Tactical game plans would be crucial for the Indian batters as they bat very deep and if the Aussie bowlers are put the under sword, who knows it might pave an opening for the Indians to dictate terms.