Australia v India: Cummins, Zampa, Iyer, Chahal and other players to watch out for in ODI series

High profile clashes begins with first match on Friday

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  AUSTRALIA: Pat Cummins is arguably Australia's most valuable player in all formats and conditions. With the bat and ball, he showed glimpses of his best form during the IPL in the UAE. There is a reason why he is the vice-captain in all the formats for the high-profile series. AP

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  Steve Smith and David Warner are the main batsmen for the hosts. But Marnus Labuschagne is the next big thing. This series could well cement his stature as the best young batsman in the game. Getty

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  Left arm quick Mitchell Starc is back home where he is at his best - with an average of 20 and economy under five in ODIs. If he is anywhere near his best, Australia will win. Getty

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  Sean Abbott played for Australia for the first time in five years in 2019 - a T20 against Pakistan in Perth. The talented seamer faces a major challenge as a bowler, which will be his audition for the T20 World Cup at home next year. Getty

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  Leg-spinner Adam Zampa has a stellar record against India - an economy of under six in ODIs and T20s. Plus he can call India captain Virat Kohli his bunny, having dismissed him five times in 13 ODIs. AP

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  INDIA: Yuzvendra Chahal was a class apart during the IPL in the UAE. The leg-spinner has mastered his art and should be a handful on the big Australian grounds. AFP

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  Sanju Samson was a late addition to the ODI squad, having already been named in the T20 side. His blistering form at the beginning of the IPL showed he can win any limited overs match on his own. Sportzpics for BCCI

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  Shubman Gill is the best young batsman in India. He is a part of the ODI and Test squads but should be in his elements in the 50-over format. The bounce of Australian wickets is likely to suit his game. Sportzpics for BCCI

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  Navdeep Saini is the fastest bowler in India at the moment. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami are excellent but they need a reliable back up and Saini can be that man. Will need to develop variations and move the ball a bit more, however. Picked for all three formats. Sportzpics for BCCI

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  Shreyas Iyer has emerged as a reliable middle order batsman who can change his tempo at will. Captaincy of Delhi Capitals has brought about a calmness to his batting. Part of the ODI and T20 squads, this is a golden chance for him. Sportzpics for BCCI

The highly-anticipated series between Australia and India begins with the first of three ODIs in Sydney on Friday.

Despite the constraints brought upon by the pandemic, this is a full series that includes three ODIs, as many T20s and a four-Test series.

With the cricket calendar rearranged beyond recognition, all international fixtures assume greater significance.

For player in both camps, this is a great opportunity – perform against one of the best teams in the world and be almost assured of your spot for the foreseeable future.

While the spotlight will be on the likes of Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Steve Smith and David Warner, there are others who will be looking to make a big impact.

Above is a gallery of players from both sides – established and otherwise – to watch out for. To view the next image, click on the arrows or simply swipe.

Note that Australia have the same ODI and T20 squads.