India's predicted XI for the third T20I against Australia

The Indian Cricket Team are currently trailing Australia 0-1 in the three-match T20 series. Much to India's dismay, the second T20I held at Melbourne was called off due to rain. The second T20I was vastly poised in India's favour as India reduced Australia to 132 for 7 in 19 overs.

After deciding to bowl first, India had a marvellous start as the duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Khaleel Ahmed rattled the Australian top-order. While the Australian captain Aaron Finch was out for a golden duck, Glenn Maxwell fell prey to Krunal Pandya's off-spin and threw his wicket cheaply.

The Indian team had scarce hopes of winning the match as the target was revised three times only to be abandoned by rain. The target was first revised to 137 in 19 overs for India, and it was further reduced to 90 in 11 overs and 46 from five overs due to prolonged rains. Despite this, not even a single ball could be bowled due to bad weather conditions.

Due to this unfortunate result, India's run of seven consecutive bilateral T20 series wins came to a bitter end. While India would take on Australia in a must-win encounter held at Sydney on Sunday, we could expect India to make a few changes.

Here, we take a look at India's predicted playing XI for the final T20I against Australia.

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Openers:

Shikhar Dhawan

Australia v India - T20

Shikhar Dhawan was the only Indian cricketer who looked settled at the crease in the first T20I. Dhawan played a master-class knock of 76 runs from just 42 balls which included 10 fours and 2 sixes.

Dhawan's aggressive start at the top of the order will set the tone for the Indian middle-order batsmen to counter-attack Australian bowlers.

Rohit Sharma

Australia v India - T20

Though Rohit Sharma failed to get going in the first T20, he could deliver the goods for the Indian team in the third T20I. Once set at the crease, Rohit Sharma is unstoppable at the placid pitches in Australia.

Middle-Order:

Virat Kohli

Australia v India - T20

Virat Kohli's decision to bat at No.4 in the first T20I proved to be a disaster as he could not afford to take time to settle at the crease. In a position which he is not accustomed to, Virat Kohli fell victim to the pressure of the situation and couldn't guide India in the chase.

However, he would definitely become a force to reckon with in the third T20I as he is a player who can play the big-knocks in crucial matches.

KL Rahul

KL Rahul

KL Rahul will surely have to put up a noteworthy performance as his place in the T20 side has come under scrutiny several times in the recent past. He might make it to the XI as he can clear the ropes at will.

Dinesh Karthik

Australia v India - T20

Dinesh Karthik was at his absolute best and played a blitzkrieg knock of 30 runs from just 13 balls in the first T20I. He can surely play the brilliant cameo knocks during the final phase of the game.

Wicketkeeper:

Rishabh Pant

Australia v India - T20

Rishabh Pant failed to seal the first T20I in India's favour, in spite of scoring 20 runs from 15 balls. He will definitely have to up his game and improve his glove-work as he dropped D'Arcy Short in the second T20I off Bhuvneshwar Kumar's bowling.

He should also try to utilize the role of wicket-keeper batsman to the maximum at the expense of Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

All-rounder:

Krunal Pandya

Australia v India - T20

Despite being hammered away for 55 runs in 4 overs in the first encounter, India's persistence with Krunal Pandya for the second T20I reaped benefits as he conceded just 26 runs from his 4 overs while also dismissing the dangerous Glenn Maxwell.

On the spin-friendly track at Sydney Cricket Ground, his four overs will come into good use and he could surely take a wicket or two. Krunal Pandya also needs to perform with the bat to cement his place for the upcoming tournaments.

Bowlers:

Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Australia v India - T20

Bhuvneshwar Kumar was the pick of the bowlers for the Indian team in the second T20I. He conceded a meagre 20 runs from 3 overs and also picked the much-important wicket of Aaron Finch. He will look to carry his great form and lead the bowling attack.

Kuldeep Yadav

Australia v India - T20

Kuldeep Yadav completely outfoxed the Australian batsmen with his googlies and stock balls. Despite not taking many wickets, he was one of the most economical bowlers for the Indian team. He should look to continue bowling the consistent line and lengths.

Jasprit Bumrah

Australia v India - T20

Jasprit Bumrah, India's best bowler currently, once again proved his mettle at the Australian pitches as he got past through the defence of Australian batsmen often. He is a definite inclusion in the XI.

Yuzvendra Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal might be the surprise inclusion for the final T20I against Australia. Chahal can turn the tables in India's favour as the pitch at Sydney Cricket Ground is tailor-made for Chahal's leg spin and googly. The pitch tends to slow down as the game progresses and spinners like Chahal can make the most use of it.

Khaleel Ahmed could prove to be ineffective at the slow tracks at Sydney Cricket Ground.