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The Indian cricket team has begun its preparations for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Australia following a disappointing ODI campaign. The series is set to start on October 29 at the Manuka Oval in Canberra. Suryakumar Yadav will lead the India side, while Mitchell Marsh will captain the hosts. Both teams are eager to find momentum ahead of a busy cricketing season leading up to the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
India come into the T20I series riding high on confidence after their Asia Cup 2025 triumph, but the upcoming challenge in Australia’s conditions promises to be a tough one. The Indian team has been training extensively under the watchful eyes of the coaching staff, focusing particularly on adapting to the fast and bouncy pitches Down Under.
Suryakumar Yadav melts hearts with adorable selfie gesture for fan
Indian skipper Suryakumar was seen in his usual cheerful spirit outside the Manuka Oval on Sunday evening after an intense practice session. A video clip that surfaced on social media showed the captain stopping to greet Indian fans, exchanging a few words, and taking a heartwarming selfie with one of them. The gesture quickly went viral among fans back home, highlighting Yadav’s grounded personality despite his growing stature in world cricket.
While Yadav’s off-field gestures win hearts, his on-field form remains an area of concern. The right-hander’s T20I numbers have dipped since taking on captaincy responsibilities. In 27 T20Is as skipper, he has scored 617 runs at an average of 26.82. Before assuming the leadership role, his average hovered around 43.40 — a stark difference that underscores the added pressure of captaincy.
With the T20 World Cup 2026 less than a year away, the management hopes that Suryakumar can rediscover his natural attacking rhythm. His innovative batting and ability to dominate bowlers across phases have been crucial in India’s recent T20 success, and a strong showing in this series would be a timely boost.
Here’s the video:
Indian captain having fun with fans in Canberra. Practice is over now.
— Vimal कुमार (@Vimalwa)
Also READ: AUS vs IND: 5 Indian players who can prove a threat for Australia in T20I series
India aim to break through Australia’s home dominance
India’s squad features several in-form players, including Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Shubman Gill, and Arshdeep Singh. The young unit has shown remarkable consistency in white-ball cricket in recent months. However, Australian conditions present a distinct challenge that will test their adaptability.
Australia’s bowling attack, led by Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Ellis, thrives on using the bounce and pace available on home tracks. Their familiarity with the local conditions could be decisive, particularly in Canberra, where early movement with the new ball often troubles top-order batters.
For India, winning the opening game will be crucial to setting the tone for the series. A positive start might help nullify Australia’s home advantage and build confidence in Suryakumar’s leadership. With both teams looking evenly matched, the T20I series promises fans a competitive and entertaining contest.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: 5 Australian players who can prove a threat for India in T20I series
