India. (Photo by DIBYANGSHU SARKAR / AFP) (Photo by DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP via Getty Images)

In the upcoming fifth T20I clash against Australia at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Team India, having already clinched the series, aims to finish strong. Suryakumar Yadav’s squad eyes a positive closure, offering valuable playing time to players like Shreyas Iyer and Deepak Chahar, gearing up for the upcoming T20Is against South Africa starting December 10.

Australia, now playing for pride, seeks a fitting end to their successful stint on Indian soil. Matthew Wade’s contingent desires to depart with a victory, a fitting conclusion to their commendable tour. Both teams, having crossed paths in the World Cup 2023 final, engage again in the shortest format, with India striving to maintain their winning momentum post sealing the series in Raipur.

With less than 48 hrs to regroup, the Aussies—Travis Head, Tanveer Sangha, and Matthew Short—may not grumble. Among the current squad, they’re the sole ones present in India from the ODI World Cup’s onset. Head, a squad member, and Sangha, along with Short as reserve players, eagerly anticipate their return home after a lengthy stint, eyeing the upcoming departure with anticipation.

India desperate to address their pace bowling woes

Amidst 19 player rotations by Australia to rest fatigued players, their alterations failed to level the series in the Raipur T20I. While the Aussie batting struggled against spinners Ravi Bishnoi and Axar Patel, their pace bowlers faced consistent challenges. India, though not entirely clinical, finds solace in individual brilliance under pressure. Jitesh Sharma’s explosive 35 off 19 balls in Raipur’s debut game and Rinku Singh’s display of batting technique beyond finishing showcased the team’s depth.

The fast-bowling department remains an area needing refinement, but Deepak Chahar’s return post-injury uplifts India. Despite a shaky start, Chahar bounced back, claiming two crucial wickets. The team expects a more well-rounded performance from the fast-bowling unit come Sunday. In summary, India seeks a positive finish while Australia aims to salvage pride in the final showdown of the series. As individual talents step up and strategies evolve, the stage is set for an enthralling battle between bat and ball at Bengaluru’s iconic stadium.