Suryakumar Yadav’s return to form lifts India ahead of second T20I vs Australia in Melbourne
India heads to the MCG for the second T20I against Australia on Friday, encouraged by the arrival of young talent and captain Suryakumar Yadav’s return to form.
Fast-bowling allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has not played a T20I since January, will remain sidelined after developing neck spasms that have affected his recovery and mobility, the BCCI said on Wednesday. He is set to miss the next two games as well.
India is already without Hardik Pandya, recovering from a quadriceps injury, which has left the side a touch unbalanced in recent months. The fit-again Shivam Dube, who missed the opening round of the Ranji Trophy with back stiffness, filled that seam-bowling allrounder slot in Canberra and is expected to continue in Melbourne.
Despite conditions being vastly different from Dubai, India kept faith with the same three spinners who featured in the Asia Cup final — Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakaravarthy — underlining the team’s trust in a spin-heavy combination even on Australian pitches. Expect more of the same in Melbourne.
The only concern before the series was Suryakumar’s lack of runs.
Under some pressure ahead of the opener, the skipper responded with a steady 24-ball 39. His mighty six off Josh Hazlewood over deep square leg stood out as a reminder of his power.
Rain ended the Canberra match prematurely, with India 97 for one after 9.4 overs and both Suryakumar and Shubman Gill batting confidently.
Showers are again forecast in Melbourne, but the visitor will focus on continuing its strong start when play begins.
They will, however, face a strong challenge from Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, who have both enjoyed success against India in the past.
Australia’s T20 philosophy is similar to India’s, built around constant attacking intent. With Marsh, Head, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, and Josh Inglis, Australia’s batting has enough depth to post or chase big totals.
With Mitchell Starc retiring from T20Is and Pat Cummins recovering from injury, the bowling lacks some experience. Hazlewood will lead an attack that includes Xavier Bartlett, Matthew Kuhnemann, and Nathan Ellis.
Published on Oct 30, 2025
