India vs Australia 2022: 1st T20I - Match Preview, Predicted Playing XI, Pitch Report and Live Telecast

India, Australia (Image Source: Twitter)

India and Australia will cross swords in the first T20I of the three-match series at Mohali on Tuesday (September 20). The series will be an important one for both teams and India in specific. The Rohit Sharma-led team did a poor job in the Asia Cup 2022 and will look to turn things around in the upcoming series.

Albeit the Baggy Greens have been playing only ODIs off late, their T20I prowess can't be ruled out as they are the defending 20-20 World Cup champions. Let's take a look at the match preview for the first T20I between India and Australia:

Team News

India

India will be looking forward to proving a point in the upcoming series against Australia. The team faced a lot of backlash in the continental tournament and will look to turn things around. Albeit Rohit Sharma disagreed with any negativity in the dressing room, it is quite evident that the team is low in morale.

Players to watch out for:

1) KL Rahul:

Rohit Sharma clarified in the presser that KL Rahul will open the innings for the Men in Blue on most occasions. Going by his assurance, the Karnataka batter will be the player to watch out for in tomorrow's game.

2) Rohit Sharma:

The Indian skipper will be looking to make a point in the upcoming series. His strike rate will be a concern for India and he will look to turn things around.

3) Arshdeep Singh:

Arshdeep Singh, the left-armer toyed in the Asia Cup 2022 and proved to be productive in the death overs. He will be crucial in the upcoming series against the Baggy Greens.

Predicted Playing XI: 

Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant (wk), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh

Australia

The Australian team will be playing without some of their key players. However, the arrival of Tim David will be something to watch out for. Pacer Pat Cummins will lead the pace battery for Australia and will look to thump Indian batters.

Players to watch out for:

1) Matthew Wade: 

Matthew Wade proved his worth in the semi-final of the 2021 edition of the 20-20 World Cup. The southpaw might end up as a threat for India if they fail to tackle him in the middle overs.

2) Tim David:

Tim David will be the X-factor for Australia in the upcoming series. The player looked in fine touch in the nets and he'll hit it hard in the match as well.

3) Josh Hazlewood:

Josh Hazlewood, the tactical bowler, will join hands with Pat Cummins to provide breakthroughs in the middle overs. He will be crucial for Australia in the middle overs and the death overs as well.

Predicted Playing XI:

Aaron Finch (c), Matthew Wade, Steve Smith, Josh Inglis, Tim David, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Pat Cummins, Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

Pitch Report:

The pitch at Mohali will bounce a lot and pacers will be the key. Teams winning the toss must look to hunt down the total by choosing to bowl first.

Match Details

India vs Australia 2022, 1st T20I

Date: 20th September 2022

Venue: Mohali Cricket Stadium

Timing: 7:30 PM IST

Live Streaming: Disney Hotstar

Live Telecast: Star Sports Network