It was a series that had everything: high-octane batting, tactical bowling, the emergence of new stars, and, in the end, the unyielding hand of Mother Nature. India’s men’s cricket team clinched a 2-1 T20 International series win over Australia, but not before the weather played its part—twice—washing out both the opener in Canberra and the dramatic finale at the Gabba in Brisbane.
On November 8, 2025, as anticipation crackled through a sold-out Gabba, Australia’s captain Mitch Marsh won the toss and sent India in to bat. The Indian openers, Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, wasted no time in electrifying the crowd. Gill, in particular, looked imperious, smashing six boundaries in a rapid 29 not out off just 16 balls. At the other end, Abhishek Sharma was equally aggressive, racing to 23 not out off 13 deliveries, including a flat-batted six over mid-wicket. By the time lightning forced players and officials off the field at 4.5 overs, India had surged to 52 without loss.
Yet, as has so often been the case in this series, the weather had the final say. Torrential rain and severe lightning swept across Brisbane, and after more than two hours of delays, the umpires had no choice but to abandon the match. The echoes of the series opener in Canberra—also lost to rain—were unmistakable.
The result meant India walked away with a 2-1 series victory, having secured crucial wins in Hobart and the Gold Coast after dropping the second game in Melbourne. Australia’s win in Melbourne, powered by paceman Josh Hazlewood, briefly put the hosts ahead, but India’s resilience soon shone through. The tourists chased down a formidable total to win by five wickets in Hobart, thanks in large part to Washington Sundar’s unbeaten 49 off 23 balls. Sundar’s all-round prowess was further underlined in the fourth T20I on the Gold Coast, where his three-wicket haul in five deliveries dismantled Australia’s chase and sealed a 48-run win for India.
Reflecting on the series, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav was quick to praise his team’s collective effort. “The way everybody chipped in in every game and we came back from being one match down, I think credit goes to all the boys; a complete team effort,” Yadav said. Australia’s Mitch Marsh was gracious in defeat, noting, “India won the games when it mattered, so congratulations to them.”
For India, the series was more than just another tick in the win column. It extended their unbeaten streak in bilateral T20I series on Australian soil and, perhaps more importantly, provided a timely confidence boost ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, which India will co-host with Sri Lanka. The team, currently topping the ICC rankings in the shortest format, will head home with a sense of momentum and a roster brimming with options.
The emergence of Abhishek Sharma as a force at the top of the order was one of the series’ defining narratives. Sharma, named Player of the Series for his aggregate of 163 runs at an average of 40.75, also became the fastest batter globally to reach 1,000 T20I runs in terms of balls faced—a remarkable achievement that places him just behind Virat Kohli in India’s all-time list, reaching the milestone in his 28th innings. “When you’re playing like this, when you want to dominate the opposition, you have to have that confidence and that ability,” Abhishek said. “I think the captain and coach always back me in that.”
Shubman Gill, too, had his moments. While his series was a study in contrasts—ranging from a steady anchor knock of 46 off 39 balls in the fourth T20I to his explosive start in the rain-marred finale—his adaptability and technique on Australia’s bouncy wickets gave the selectors plenty to consider. “Good headache to have,” Gill remarked, referencing India’s growing pool of talent. “There’s never anything like all bases covered. We always learn from this game. Until now, things look good … let’s continue that.”
India’s depth and versatility were further highlighted by the contributions of allrounders Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Shivam Dube. Sundar, in particular, was a revelation, turning matches with both bat and ball and providing Suryakumar Yadav with immense tactical flexibility. The combination of pace and spin, with Jasprit Bumrah’s experience at the death and Arshdeep Singh’s effectiveness in the Powerplay, proved to be a winning formula on Australian pitches. The spinners—Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel—were economical and picked up crucial wickets in the middle overs, suggesting they’ll be even more potent on the slower, turning tracks expected in the subcontinent during the World Cup.
Still, not everything was rosy for India. The middle order, at times, looked vulnerable when the openers failed to provide a platform. The likes of Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and wicketkeepers Sanju Samson or Jitesh Sharma will need to find greater consistency and stability in the crucial No. 3 to 5 slots. The challenge will be to maintain a high scoring rate while also managing the innings—a delicate balance that could prove decisive in high-pressure World Cup matches.
Australia, for their part, were left to rue missed opportunities—not least two dropped catches in the final match, both off Abhishek Sharma’s bat. Glenn Maxwell put down a regulation chance in the first over, and Ben Dwarshuis spilled another at fine leg in the fourth. These lapses, combined with the absence of key players like Josh Hazlewood (withdrawn to prepare for the Ashes), left the hosts with plenty to ponder as they switch focus to the longer format. Their next assignment: the first Ashes Test against England in Perth, starting November 21. India, meanwhile, will host South Africa in a two-Test series beginning November 14.
As the rain-soaked Gabba emptied, fans were left to reflect on a series that, despite its weather disruptions, delivered a compelling preview of what’s to come. India’s blend of fearless youth, tactical acumen, and growing bench strength has set them up as favorites to defend their T20 World Cup crown. The trophy may be heading back to India, but the real battles are just around the corner.
