IND vs AUS: India seal the T20I series, but key takeaways highlight pressing concerns
The India tour of Australia started with the three-match ODI series taking center stage first. The fanfare centered around the much-awaited return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. While the veterans finally performed in the last ODI, India, led by Shubman Gill, were defeated 2-1. Meanwhile, the five-match India vs Australia T20I series scripted the same scoreline, this time in favor of the visitors. With the first and the last match washed off, only three clashes produced results, where Suryakumar Yadav and his men managed to clinch two victories, beating the Kangaroos in their backyard.
Lack of clarity in roles, questionable selection calls, and the form of top prospects: IND vs AUS lays bare the loopholes in India's T20I plans
The India vs Australia T20I series took off at Canberra, but the contest was hindered by rain shortly into the first innings. Glimpses of the series opener showed Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav in impressive rhythm. However, the second IND vs AUS T20I dashed the anticipation of India’s dominance over the hosts. Josh Hazlewood razed through the Indian batting lineup, headlining his team’s victory before he left the series to prepare for the Ashes.
Hazlewood’s exit saw India reclaim the charge as the reigning T20 World Champions. Arshdeep Singh, who did not make the cut for the India Playing XI in the first two clashes, claimed three wickets, emerging as the top performer as the visitors leveled the IND vs AUS series 1-1.
The India vs Australia T20I series witnessed the India Playing XI change constantly. Harshit Rana started as the main pacer alongside Jasprit Bumrah, while Arshdeep Singh, the highest wicket-taker for India in the format, sat on the bench. The controversial selection call brought Gautam Gambhir under scrutiny. However, Rana’s inclusion over Arshdeep was not the only concern.
Before taking on the IND vs AUS series, the Men in Blue dominated the Asia Cup 2025. The contest that India won convincingly saw none of the Asian teams manage to challenge the Men in Blue. However, the sub-continental tournament showcased India fighting its own battles. Despite being clear favorites right from the start, India’s fielding was subpar.
Moreover, Shubman Gill, who returned to the T20I fray after almost a year, came under scrutiny. Gill claimed direct access to the India Playing XI upon his T20I comeback, as the management declared the Test captain as the vice-captain in the shorter format. However, Gill’s inclusion came at the cost of Sanju Samson losing the opening spot.
Until the Asia Cup 2025, Samson was etched as the second-highest scorer for the team since the 2024 T20 World Cup victory. Despite his statement-worthy knocks over the year, Samson lost his spot to Gill, as Samson was adjusted into the middle order.
The IND vs AUS series highlighted the muddle that first appeared during the Asia Cup 2025. Shubman Gill looked in impressive rhythm in the first and the last contests Down Under, both eventually abandoned due to rain. Overall, the vice-captain’s performance left much to the imagination, unable to justify his spot as the opener over Samson.
Furthermore, the Gill-Samson dilemma also affects Jitesh Sharma, with no clarity over his role in the T20I squad. Clear to say, India needs to quickly finalize an effective Playing XI with the 2026 T20 World Cup approaching fast. Will Shubman Gill be able to up his tempo as the T20I opener? Should India return to the combination of Sanju Samson opening the innings along with Abhishek Sharma? Or will the management drop the wicketkeeper-batter altogether, bringing in Jitesh Sharma as the confirmed middle-order option?
Search for the form of Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill, and the right India Playing XI remain the main concerns ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup
Abhishek Sharma concluded the India vs Australia T20I contest as the Player of the Series. While the opener’s numbers did not fully showcase his fiery form, the youngster’s lone fight in the 3rd T20I was noteworthy. However, another concern for India, and possibly the most troubling, is the form of skipper Suryakumar Yadav.
Another series has passed without SKY improving his form, which has evaded him ever since he took over as the T20I skipper. With the 2026 T20 World Cup poised as his litmus test as leader, Surya’s performance with the bat will be a key element in the home campaign.
Leading up to the 2026 T20 World Cup, India will play major challengers like South Africa, New Zealand, and England. The IND vs AUS series showed that the Men in Blue are yet to address several elements in their attack. The upcoming series at home against the Proteas and Kiwis provides the reigning champions a chance to test and solidify their combination. Moreover, the likes of Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill will look to find form to further fortify their stature in the format.
