India Vs Australia Profiles

India vs Australia: Hardik Pandya's fiery approach could be just what the team needs against visitors

Indian bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya will be targeting glory on his Test debut against Australia, leaving behind injuries and bad form.

India vs Australia: Wicketkeeper Matthew Wade in for a tough examination of skills in Indian conditions

Against India, Matthew Wade will be tested by the energy-sapping conditions, a partisan crowd, and playing surfaces that misbehave besides his glove skills.

India vs Australia: Kuldeep Yadav's accuracy, unique action make him potential weapon against visitors

Kuldeep Yadav, who had a decent run in the Duleep as well as Ranji Trophy in the 2016-17 season, could prove to be a thorn for the Australian batsmen with his stifling accuracy.

India vs Australia: Steven Smith will need to be guiding light for his team to stop rampant hosts

If Australia were to prove the prognosticators already calling for another Indian whitewash wrong, it has to start with their skipper Steven Smith.

India vs Australia: Virat Kohli's imperious form means visitors will need a miracle to stop him

It is against the Australians that Kohli has scored the most number of runs - 1,276 in 12 matches. He faces them again with a chance to stamp his authority.

India vs Australia: Shane Warne-approved Mitchell Swepson in for steep learning curve

One big advantage Mitchell Swepson holds over his fellow Aussie leg-spinners, and others like Adil Rashid and Amit Mishra is that he is quicker through the air.

India vs Australia: Ajinkya Rahane's quest for consistency begins after rediscovering old touch

Ajinkya Rahane may have had a disappointing series against England, but he showed his old hunger for runs in the one-off Test against Bangladesh, and will look to continue in the same vein against Australia.

India vs Australia: Mitchell Starc's Sri Lanka experience, success against lower order crucial for visitors' chances

It is that experience of bowling on pitches that provided him no assistance, and being part of the ill-fated tour of India in 2013, that will hold Starc in good stead as he takes on the No. 1 ranked India in their own backyard

India vs Australia: David Warner's Sehwag-esque approach key to making this his breakout series

If Warner indeed is living Sehwag's career in reverse, it would then be likely that with the knowledge of playing in India, and the familiarity of the environs through his many years in the IPL, this 2017 tour would be a breakout series for him.

India vs Australia: Abhinav Mukund yearns for shot at redemption after escaping obscurity

Abhinav Mukund's ability is undoubted, but it will be his temperament and mental strength that will decide if he belongs to the highest level.