India vs Australia 2019: 5 key players who could make the difference for India

The Indian Cricket Team will take on Australia in a 5-match ODI series and 2-match T20I series. The 1st match will be a T20I on February 24th in Vishakapatnam. The squad selection of both the sides created few surprises and raised questions about the teams' plans for the World Cup.

India's squad for the T20I series: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma (vc), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Vijay Shankar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Siddarth Kaul, Mayank Markande

India's squad for the 1st and 2nd ODIs: Virat Kohli (C), Rohit Sharma (VC), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MSD (wk), Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohamed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Vijay Shankar, Rishabh Pant, Siddarth Kaul, KL Rahul

Bhuvneshwar Kumar will replace Siddharth Kaul for the last 3 ODIs. This Indian team possesses a lot of match-winners and in this segment, we have picked out 5 players who can make the difference for Indian in all series.

Honorable Mentions: Virat Kohli - The Indian captain is known for his high levels of consistency and penchant for scoring a lot of runs. Though he's making a return, he makes a difference for India in every game he plays so let's exclude him from this list and take a look at some of the other performers.

---

#5 KL Rahul

KL Rahul

Yes! It's actually KL Rahul, the last person to be included in this squad and one who has had a terrible start to the year both on and off the field. But he showed real solidarity playing for India A and after a long time, the gritty determination which he had in the early stages of his career was seen in his face.

There's no doubt that he has been inconsistent but the effort he puts into his game can't be questioned. All things apart, Rahul is a fighter and for the first time he's being made to compete for a place in the side and this can bring the best out of him. He will surely get chances as either of the openers will be rested and this time, Rahul can make a difference for the Indian team.

#4 Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav is in the form of his life and has made it a habit of befuddling batsmen. Kuldeep was rested for a few matches in New Zealand will be fresh with energy and can surely make a big difference and be the X-Factor for India in this series.

Yuzvendra Chahal, his spin twin, has also been in great form and Kohli's love for wrist spinners means that the duo are certain to start the matches.

---

#3 Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya is sure to make a big difference in this series. The all-rounder impressed on his return to the side but his full effect wasn't shown. He took few spectacular catches and fielded very well, he also played few quick cameos smashing the Kiwi bowlers all around the park.

More so, his bowling will be of great importance. His presence will mean that India doesn't need to play an extra pace bowler and can use that spot to accommodate some of the other fringe players. Full of heat and a point to prove, Pandya will want to make a statement that he's fully back after his off-field controversy.

#2 Shikhar Dhawan

Dhawan will look to regain his form

Shikhar Dhawan is the batsman to watch out for this series. The southpaw hasn't been in great form and things have just been droning on for him. With Rohit Sharma being the player more likely to be rested, this series will be a great opportunity for him to regain his lost touch.

He has loved Australia as an opponent and a home series can do wonders for his confidence. India will want their premier opener to shine and thrash the Aussie bowlers. The pitches in India will suit his batting style and he's a player to watch out for.

---

#1 Jasprit Bumrah

Bumrah receives appreciation from Kohli

Jasprit Bumrah's return will be the one which most Indian fans will be waiting to see. He was rested for the limited-overs series against New Zealand and the preceding ODI-series against Australia on the back of outstanding yet exhausting performance in the Test series.

Bumrah was missed in New Zealand but the India bowlers covered up for him fairly well with Mohammed Shami impressing one and all. Bumrah will surely play all the games as Bhuvi is rested for the first 2 ODIs and is not part of the squad in the T20Is. His yorkers and lethal pace at the start will provide tough competition to the Aussie batters who will also have to face a nightmare later on in the innings in the form of Kuldeep and Chahal.

Bumrah is India's greatest impact player and captain Kohli's trump card and he will hope that he gets a fitting comeback after a break.