Rohit's absence will help us but Rahul is as good a player: Maxwell

Rohit Sharma's absence from upcoming white ball series is a big "positive" for Australia but KL Rahul is as good a player to fill in void, feels dashing batsman Glenn Maxwell.

Rahul will be Virat Kohli's deputy in white-ball leg since regular vice-captain Rohit is recuperating from a hamstring injury sustained during IPL.

"He (Rohit) is a class performer, so consistent as an opening batsman with a couple of (three) double hundreds. So anytime he is t in line-up against you, it is a positive," Maxwell said during an interaction organised by series official brocasters Sony.

three-match ODI series begins on vember 27 followed by a T20 International series.

For Maxwell, KL Rahul is as good a back-up as any team can wish for.

"But in saying that, India have still got back-ups, more than capable of playing that role. We saw KL Rahul, performance that he put on during last IPL was extraordinary. Wher he opens batting or t, I am sure he will be just as good a player," Maxwell said during a virtual media interaction.

In Rohit's absence, it is expected that Mayank Agarwal will open innings along with Shikhar Dhawan as Rahul, who will keep wickets is expected to bat middle-order.

However Maxwell is a big fan of Agarwal-Rahul opening pair that did really well during first phase of IPL.

"Well, I would say y (Mayank-Rahul) are two lovely guys, I have ever met. It was a pleasure to spend change room (with m), two very good players, y score all-round wicket and have got very limited weaknesses," Maxwell was all praise for m.

But Maxwell sounded out a warning for his IPL teammates that Australia's bowing attack will certainly put m under pressure.

"I suppose ODI cricket might be a bit different (compared T20). Hopefully, with our bowling attack, we can put some pressure on m and with bounce in pitches and bigger grounds as well, y play into our hands. y are good performers, and good players," a confident Maxwell asserted.

For India, key in upcoming series will be Mohammed Shami's skills as both a "new ball and old ball" bowler.

"A guy like Mohammed Shami, whom I have played with in recent IPL and played with him in Delhi, as well. (I) saw skill that he has.

"He has got good skills at end (death overs) as well as with new ball. His ability to get moving on pitches will be key to m," said Maxwell.

Meanwhile, asked about his wretched IPL form and wher it would have an impact on series, he said, ", it’s t going to affect my performances in upcoming series." According to Maxwell, he along with ar in-form player Marcus Stoinis, would be two all-rounders as well as designated finishers in batting line-up.

"... way we are probably going to set our team up is myself and Marcus Stoinis or potentially ar all-rounder making up for or 10 overs (for fifth bowler), one without our four front-line bowlers.

"I suppose I can contribute wherever I can with ball. With bat, as it was against England, I will be trying to finish off games and do as well as I can down order," he said.

Steve Smith didn't play away ODI series against England due to concussion suffered during a net session and his presence is sure to increase Indian team's heache, said Victorian all-rounder.

"To have someone like Steve Smith coming back to our side, it is going to be a big plus for us, a big heache for India. Smith has always scored runs against m," he said.

series will be aired on Sony Ten 1, Sony Ten 3 and Sony Six channels from vember 27, 8 am onwards.

Im credits: AP