India vs Australia: Jitesh Sharma to Retain Spot, Samson’s Wait Continues

The fourth match of the five-match T20 International series between India and Australia is scheduled to be played on Thursday, October 6, in Gold Coast. After the first match in Canberra was washed out due to rain, Australia won the second match in Melbourne. India made a comeback by winning the third match in Hobart. The series is currently tied at 1-1. In such a situation, both Suryakumar Yadav and Mitchell Starc will be eyeing a win to take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series. India made three changes to their playing XI in the previous match to test their bench strength. It is being speculated that India might also field some changes in the Gold Coast.

Harshit Rana, who was benched in the previous match, could return to the playing XI for the fourth T20I against Australia. Rana demonstrated his batting prowess in the middle order in Melbourne. He could replace Shivam Dube, who proved expensive in the third T20I. He conceded 43 runs and took just one wicket. He was also disappointed with the bat. Given Gambhir's penchant for all-rounders, Rinku Singh's chances of playing are slim.

Now let's talk about Sanju Samson. This wicketkeeper-batsman, who scored three centuries for India as an opener in T20I cricket, is on the sidelines. Gill's return to T20 cricket has also led to a shift in their batting order. It's being speculated that Gautam Gambhir will bench Sanju Samson in the fourth T20I, as he would like to give Jitesh another match. Playing his first T20I since January 2024 in Hobart, the wicketkeeper-batsman played a key role as a finisher. He scored 22 runs off 13 balls in that match, playing a crucial role in India's victory.