India vs Australia 2019: 3 reasons why Mayank Markande's inclusion in the T20Is is justified
India are fresh from their tour Down Under, which was historic in many ways. They became the first Asian team to win a Test series in Australia. They also went on to beat the Aussies for the first time in a bilateral ODI series on their shores, winning that tilt 2-1.
India culminated their tour with a clinical and complete performance against a very strong and formidable New Zealand. The series scoreline of 4-1 in India's favor speaks for itself.
The only blip as far India was concerned came in the form of a series defeat in the T20I series. In rather dramatic fashion, Dinesh Karthik didn't take a single when India needed 14 off 4 balls, with a set Krunal Pandya at the other end. That unfortunately stole all the limelight from the good work done by India up to then.
In their quest to get all the bases covered before the World Cup 2019 and also to give opportunity to some new talent, India have selected young leg-spinner Mayank Markande in their T20I squad to face Australia.
Here's looking at why selecting Markande for the T20I series is justified:
1. Familiar conditions will play to Markande's advantage
The transition from Ranji Trophy or the IPL to playing for India can be quite daunting and nerve-racking for any cricketer. The expectations, and challenges go up several notches, and Markande would certainly be aware of that.
What will work in his favor is that this T20I series is being played in familiar conditions in India. That is a big advantage for a young, talented leg-spinner like him looking to establish himself in the national side.
Markande would know what lines and lengths to operate from, and can focus on delivering on his strengths. He won't have the added worry of adjusting to different conditions in overseas conditions, which is nice when you are making your debut for India.
Markande rose to fame with his outstanding control of his googly. Against an Australian batting line-up which is very vulnerable against good spin bowling in spin-friendly conditions, his inclusion for the T20I series is certainly justified.