After losing the three-match ODI series against Australia, the Indian team will now play a five-match T20 series against the Kangaroos. The first T20 match between the two teams will be played in Canberra on Wednesday. The team will play under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav in this series. Suryakumar has been out of form for some time and will be expected to play a big innings in this series.
A Tough Competition Between the Two Teams
It is almost certain that the Indian team will field almost the same playing XI with which it won the Asia Cup title. India has a strong T20 team, as evidenced by the fact that it has won eight of its last 10 matches, losing one, and one match was tied. The challenge for the Indian team will not be easy, as the Kangaroos are also in form, having won eight of their last 10 matches, losing one. Australia also had one match washed out due to rain.
Suryakumar's record as a captain is excellent. Suryakumar may not be contributing with the bat, but his record as a captain is excellent. Under Suryakumar's leadership, India has won 23 out of 29 matches so far, with the team batting aggressively and attacking the opposition bowlers from ball one. Under Suryakumar's leadership, India has not lost a bilateral T20 series so far and recently won the Asia Cup by defeating Pakistan.
The T20 World Cup 2026 is not far away, so this series against Australia is crucial for India's preparations. India has played approximately 15 T20 matches before this global tournament. A positive result in Australia will boost the team's morale. Head coach Gautam Gambhir dismissed concerns about Suryakumar's form, but Suryakumar needs to return to form soon.
Gill and Abhishek will open the innings.
Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma will once again open the innings. Abhishek was in excellent form in the Asia Cup and was expected to perform similarly in Australian conditions. Abhishek will face challenges on Australian pitches, so the captain's contribution will be crucial.
Tilak Verma will bat at number four, while in Hardik Pandya's absence, Shivam Dubey will be responsible for performing with both bat and ball. Tilak Verma and Axar Patel, who played heroic innings in the Asia Cup final, will form the middle order. If India fields an extra batsman, Rinku Singh may also find a place in the playing XI.
Samson may get a preference.
Sanju Samson may get preference over Jitesh Sharma as wicketkeeper. Samson kept wicket throughout the Asia Cup and may be included in the playing XI in the first match. Therefore, Jitesh may have to wait for a place in the playing XI. Speaking of bowling, Axar and Varun Chakravarthy will handle the spin department, while India may field two specialist bowlers. In this scenario, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh would be the team management's choice. Bumrah was not part of the ODI series and will return to the team for the T20I series.
The pitch at the Manuka Oval is expected to offer bounce, and if the team management opts for three fast bowlers, Harshit will be responsible for the work alongside Bumrah and Arshdeep. In this scenario, Rinku may not find a place in the playing XI. It will be interesting to see what combination India will field in the first T20I.
The probable playing XI for both teams for this match is as follows:
India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Verma, Shivam Dubey, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Axar Patel, Rinku Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh.
Australia: Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (captain), Matthew Short, Josh Inglis (wicketkeeper), Tim David, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Owen, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Josh Hazlewood.
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