India are set to take on Australia in the opening T20I of the five-match series at the Manuka Oval in Canberra on Wednesday. The Men in Blue, led by Suryakumar Yadav, will look to start the series on a winning note and avenge their 1–2 defeat in the recently concluded ODI series. The series comes at an ideal time for both camps as they gear up for the T20 World Cup 2026, slated for February–March.
Since lifting the T20 World Cup in 2024, India have maintained remarkable consistency under Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership, remaining unbeaten in every series since. They head into the contest brimming with confidence after an unbeaten campaign at the Asia Cup
Australia, too, have been in fine touch under Mitchell Marsh’s leadership. The visitors have lost only two of their last 20 T20Is and have embraced a fearless, power-hitting approach that has added freshness to their game.
The two sides last met in the format during the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2024, where India came out on top.
Bumrah back; Harshit Rana expected to make debut
India’s batting lineup carries a settled look as Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill are set to open the innings, both riding high on form after their standout performances at the Asia Cup. The middle order features Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson, who add composure and stroke play, while captain Suryakumar Yadav will continue to occupy the pivotal No. 4 slot, driving the innings with his aggressive flair. The lower order will be in the hands of Shivam Dube and Axar Patel, two proven finishers capable of clearing the ropes in the closing overs.
On the bowling front, the return of Jasprit Bumrah strengthens India’s attack after he sat out the ODI leg of the tour. He will spearhead the pace unit alongside left-armer Arshdeep Singh and young quick Harshit Rana, a combination well-suited to the bounce and pace of Australian tracks. Axar Patel and Washington Sundar will take charge of spin duties, expected to apply control through the middle overs, while Dube’s seam-up option adds balance to the side.
India will continue to miss Hardik Pandya, who is still recovering from an ankle injury. In his absence, Nitish Kumar Reddy has been drafted into the squad. Shreyas Iyer remains unavailable after sustaining a spleen injury during the ODI series.
Marsh’s men bank on batting depth amid rotation plans
Australia, under Mitchell Marsh, have opted for a mix of experience and fresh faces as they continue to build towards future tournaments. The top order is expected to feature Travis Head, Josh Inglis, and Matthew Short — all capable of giving brisk starts in the powerplay. Marsh, batting at No. 3 or 4, will look to dictate the tempo of the innings, with power-hitters Tim David and Marcus Stoinis providing muscle in the middle order. The depth of the batting unit makes the visitors well-equipped for both setting and chasing big totals.
In the bowling department, Australia will be without their premier leg-spinner Adam Zampa, who is on paternity leave. Young leggie Tanveer Sangha has been called up as his replacement and will shoulder the spin responsibilities. The pace contingent includes Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, and Ben Dwarshuis, with the promising Mahli Beardman likely to earn a debut later in the series. Bowlers are expected to be rotated through the series, keeping in mind the upcoming red-ball season.
Cameron Green and Pat Cummins have been rested from the T20 setup to focus on Test preparations, while Glenn Maxwell, recovering from injury, is expected to rejoin the squad midway through the series.
India enter the series as the world’s top-ranked T20I side, with Australia close behind at No. 2.
Squads:
India: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar.
Australia: Mitchell Marsh (captain), Sean Abbott (games 1-3), Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman (games 3-5), Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis (games 4-5), Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood (games 1-2), Glenn Maxwell (games 3-5), Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe (wk), Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa