(Image source from: x.com/BCCI)
India aims to keep up their excellent performance in the shortest version of cricket as the team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, faces Australia in the first T20I match in Canberra on Tuesday. India secured the Asia Cup 2025 title without a single loss, boosting the players' confidence for success in Australia. However, the ODI series did not unfold as expected for the visitors, with India losing 1-2 even after winning the third ODI thanks to outstanding plays by Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The top-ranked T20I batsman, Abhishek Sharma, is likely to start the innings alongside vice-captain Shubman Gill. Gill's performance in the Asia Cup was not up to par, making it crucial for him to achieve a significant score, especially with Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal also vying for the opening position.
Tilak Varma, who was a standout in the Asia Cup for India, is anticipated to bat at No. 3, while captain Suryakumar Yadav will follow at No. 5. Head coach Gautam Gambhir made several adjustments to the middle-order during the Asia Cup, but Samson is predicted to take the No. 5 slot with Shivam Dube positioned at No. 6. Axar Patel is expected to join Dube as another all-rounder, and Harshit Rana may secure a spot in the playing XI following a commendable bowling display in the third ODI. In the bowling lineup, Varun Chakravarthy is anticipated to be the sole dedicated spinner, with Kuldeep Yadav likely excluded. Despite Kuldeep's good bowling in the third ODI, India will probably opt against using three spin bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh are anticipated to serve as the fast bowling choices.
Team India's predicted XI: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh.
