INDIA vs AUSTRALIA
OCT 29 | T20I 1 OF 5
STARTS AT 1:45 PM IST
Canberra, Oct29: As the Indian cricket team prepares to take on Australia in the first T20 International at the Manuka Oval on Wednesday, selection discussions within the camp have begun to heat up.
With the spotlight firmly on a few underperforming stars, India’s likely playing XI could see a couple of notable changes — the most significant being the possible exclusion of vice-captain Shubman Gill, and the return of premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah alongside young left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh.
Shubman Gill, who opened in all three ODIs during the recently concluded series against Australia, endured a lean patch with scores of 10, 9, and 24. His aggregate of just 43 runs — the lowest among India’s top six batters — has raised concerns about his form ahead of the T20I leg. Even in the Asia Cup earlier this year, Gill’s bat failed to inspire much confidence, barring a quickfire 47 off 28 balls against Pakistan in the Super Fours. The inconsistency, coupled with fatigue from a packed schedule, might prompt the team management to rest him for the opening encounter in Canberra.In his potential absence, Sanju Samson could be handed the opportunity to open the innings — a role in which he has previously flourished. Samson, India’s preferred wicketkeeper-batter in the T20 format, enjoyed a prolific run last year with three centuries as an opener, two of which came in South Africa. His attacking intent in the powerplay overs provides India with a different flavour at the top. However, the dynamic right-hander has often been shuffled across batting positions due to Gill’s inclusion, which has somewhat disrupted his rhythm.
That said, benching Gill remains a difficult call for the selectors, not just because of his reputation but also because of his role as vice-captain. With the T20 World Cup less than a year away, the management might prefer to persist with him for a few more games, hoping he rediscovers his touch before it’s too late.Meanwhile, captain Suryakumar Yadav’s form is another pressing concern. The swashbuckling middle-order batter, who sits third on India’s all-time list of T20I run-getters, has endured an uncharacteristically poor run in international T20s this year. While he was a standout performer in the IPL 2025 — scoring consistently above 25 in every match for Mumbai Indians — his international returns have been underwhelming, with just 100 runs in 12 matches. For a batter of his calibre and reputation, it marks his worst phase since his debut in 2021.
However, India’s middle order does have a fresh spark. The emergence of youngsters like Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Rinku Singh has added depth and dynamism to the lineup. All three have impressed in the shorter formats with their aggressive approach and composure under pressure. Their recent form makes them almost certain starters for Wednesday’s contest.
In the all-round department, Shivam Dube’s ability to clear boundaries and provide medium-pace support makes him another crucial piece in the lineup. Axar Patel’s consistency with both bat and ball has cemented his place, while Kuldeep Yadav’s recent resurgence with the ball makes him an automatic pick in the spin department.
On the bowling front, India welcome back Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested for the ODIs. The veteran pacer will spearhead the attack, bringing his trademark precision and aggression to Australian conditions. Partnering him with the new ball will likely be Arshdeep Singh, whose left-arm angle and ability to swing the ball early on have made him a reliable T20 asset.Hardik Pandya’s continued absence from the squad has opened up a slot for Harshit Rana, who could make his T20I debut. (Agencies)
