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NEW DELHI: As the focus shifts from the intensity of the ODI format—where Australia recently clinched the series by a 2-1 margin—to the explosive T20 battlefield, both India and Australia field dynamic squads ready to prove their white-ball supremacy. Here are five cricketers poised to dominate the headlines and swing the momentum of this exciting showdown.
Top 4 players to replace Shreyas Iyer in ODIs against South Africa
1. Abhishek Sharma (India)
A young left-handed opener, Abhishek Sharma is quickly becoming known for his fearless, aggressive approach at the top of the order, fresh off a brilliant performance in the Asia Cup 2025. He looks to capitalize instantly on the Powerplay overs, and his T20 International strike rate is an electrifying 196, confirming his intent. His effortless timing and boundary hitting place early pressure on fast bowlers, and his handy slow left-arm spin adds overall value and versatility to the Indian squad.
2. Mitchell Marsh (Australia)
Mitchell Marsh, the dynamic captain of the Australian T20I side, is the most destructive all-rounder in the Australian lineup and the linchpin of their middle order. He is currently in red-hot form following the recent New Zealand series, where he combined raw power with impressive consistency. He is capable of dismantling bowling attacks, and Marsh holds a formidable T20 International batting strike rate of over 140 when facing India. As a right-arm seamer, he frequently breaks crucial partnerships, making his overall contribution essential and indispensable for the visiting side.
3. Josh Hazlewood (Australia)
Known for his impeccable control and probing lines, Josh Hazlewood is a world-class operator, fresh from helping RCB clinch a historic IPL title. His skillset perfectly suits T20 cricket, as he consistently hits the hard length, forcing batsmen into errors. His career T20 International economy rate is a remarkable 7.40, showcasing exceptional parsimony. His expertise in the death overs—where he mixes yorkers and slower balls with clinical precision—makes him Australia’s primary pace threat.
4. Tilak Varma (India)
The talented southpaw Tilak Varma brings stability and flair to India’s middle order. He is riding high after his heroics in the Asia Cup 2025 final, proving he thrives under extreme pressure. He currently averages 37 in his nascent T20 International career, confirming his reliability. Varma also possesses the clean hitting necessary to play spin effectively, accelerate quickly, and clear the ropes, establishing him as a vital middle-order finisher for the Indian team.
5. Jasprit Bumrah (India)
The undisputed pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah is widely recognized as one of the most deadliest bowlers the game has ever seen and remains arguably the most feared fast bowler in the T20 format globally. His unique slingy action and phenomenal accuracy make him incredibly difficult to score against in all phases. His career T20 International economy rate stands at a phenomenal 7.25, showcasing exceptional parsimony. Whether delivering toe-crushing yorkers or deceptive slower balls, Bumrah dictates the match flow whenever he has the ball in hand.
