AUS vs IND, 1st ODI: 5 reasons why Team India will beat Australia

Perth: Team India is in Australia after almost 10 months, since the ICC World Cup 2015. This is not only their best chance to prepare for the ICC World T20 starting in March but also avenge the semifinal loss in the mega event. Both teams have made few changes. On pen and paper, India look favourites. Here’s why.

Strong batting line-up: India’s biggest strength lies in their batting. With opener Shikhar Dhawan finding form in the warm-up match, he should be a treat to watch. Rohit Sharma, who fairly had a decent World Cup in 2015, is expected to come out all guns blazing.

India opener Shikhar Dhawan. (Photo: AP)

Captain Cool’s return: India lost the limited-over series against South Africa at home last year under Mahendra Singh Dhoni. With speculations about his retirement doing the rounds, he would like to turn the tide and end on a high. This series could just be a start for him.

Team India limited-over skipper MS Dhoni. (Photo: AP)

Virat Kohli and his mojo: The Indian batting superstar found his touch during the warm up encounter against Western Australia XI, slamming 74 off 44 balls. If he gets going, it will be difficult for the hosts to sail through.

India Test skipper Virat Kohli. (Photo: AP)

Youth energy: The Indian squad boasts of youngsters like Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Manish Pandey (Kolkata Knight Riders fame in IPL), Barinder Sran, Rishi Dhawan in the mix. Having played around the year, they would be in great touch to deliver.

Team India's new fast bowler Barinder Sran is in line for his international debut in the ODI series against Australia. (Photo: Facebook)

Absence of Mitchells: One major advantage for India is the absence of the retired Mitchell Johnson and injured Mitchell Starc. The star Australian bowlers have troubled the Men in Blue in the past.

Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc (right). (Photo: AFP)