India’s cricketing fortunes have taken center stage once more, as the Men in Blue delivered a spirited comeback in Hobart to level their T20I series against Australia 1-1, while off the field, former stalwarts like Harbhajan Singh have reignited debate about the team’s direction in the longer formats. With South Africa inflicting India’s worst-ever Test defeat by runs margin just days ago, and a dramatic limited-overs battle unfolding Down Under, the Indian cricket landscape is buzzing with both optimism and concern.
Let’s start with the action from Hobart. On November 26, 2025, India squared the T20I series in emphatic fashion, chasing down Australia’s imposing total of 182-5. The win was not just a statistical triumph—it was a statement of intent from a side striving to maintain its unbeaten T20I series record in Australia. Arshdeep Singh, returning to the lineup, seized the Player of the Match award with a performance that combined skill and nerve, dismissing key Australian batters like Head and Inglis early to set the tone. "I’ve just been working on my process, trusting my skills, and executing the plans I’ve practised. It feels great to contribute when I get the chance," said Arshdeep, reflecting on his approach to the high-pressure contest.
India’s run-chase was anchored by Washington Sundar, whose electric 49 off 22 balls provided the backbone for the pursuit. Supported by Jitesh Sharma and a brisk partnership with Axar and Tilak, Sundar ensured India always stayed ahead of the asking rate. The finishing touches came with a stylish cover drive from Jitesh, sealing the win and triggering celebrations in the Indian camp. Suryakumar Yadav, India’s captain, couldn’t hide his relief at finally winning a toss after what felt like an eternity. "Winning the toss was important today, and I’m really happy with how the team performed. Those guys were practising really hard and waiting for their chance. Washi showed great flexibility, Jitesh contributed well, and Arshdeep was outstanding. It felt like the right combination tonight," Suryakumar noted.
Australia, for their part, rued missed opportunities. Captain Mitchell Marsh was candid in his assessment: "Yeah, we were probably 20 runs short. Credit to India – they bowled really well. We gave it our best in the field, but they deserved the win." He also hinted at the possible return of Glenn Maxwell for the next match at Bill Pippen Oval, Gold Coast, a venue where India has never played before. "He’s such an experienced T20 campaigner – we’d love to have him back," Marsh said, underlining Maxwell’s potential impact on the series decider.
The numbers told their own story. This was Australia’s first defeat in six T20 Internationals in Hobart, and India’s chase of 187 was among the highest successful run-chases on Australian soil. Remarkably, it was achieved without a single half-century, with Sundar’s 49* the top score—an indicator of the team’s depth and resilience. As the series moves to a new venue, both sides are searching for consistency, but India’s unbeaten T20I series record in Australia remains a tantalizing subplot.
Yet, as the T20 side basks in the glow of a comeback, the Test team faces searching questions. On November 27, 2025, former off-spinner Harbhajan Singh delivered a stinging critique of India’s red-ball approach after a disastrous series against South Africa. The Proteas’ 408-run win in the second Test marked India’s heaviest defeat by runs in their Test history, prompting Harbhajan to sound the alarm about selection policies and pitch preparation.
"A T20 player cannot play Test cricket. So, mind you, whether people like it or not, the fact is that South Africa won this second match by 408 runs and won the Test series 2-0. No problem, losing Test series happens, winning also happens. But let us start playing on good Test wickets, where you need to work hard," Harbhajan asserted on his YouTube channel. He drew a sharp contrast between India’s Ranji Trophy pitches, which he described as good, and the rank turners used in international matches. The former spinner argued that such surfaces do not help the national team develop the toughness required for overseas success.
Harbhajan’s comments resonated with many fans and pundits, especially as he referenced India’s fifth Test win over England at the Kennington Oval—a victory achieved after five days of hard-fought cricket. "When we won that match in England on Day 5, it was so enjoyable. Siraj and the other fast bowlers bowled in such a way to win the match, that is fun, watching such matches. You need to work hard, and if you ask Siraj or Gill or anyone about that win, they will say it helped their career because they won after hard work. On good wickets, our batters scored runs and our bowlers took wickets."
The debate over pitch preparation is hardly new, but Harbhajan’s insistence that India must play on better wickets—both for results and for the development of future stars—has reignited the conversation. "If we want a proper path forward, I feel India needs to play on good wickets, and for the next generation to develop good habits, it is very important that we play on good wickets. You play Ranji Trophy on 9 mm grass, and then Test cricket on complete dustbowls where the ball turns from the first delivery. What is this?" he questioned, challenging both selectors and curators to rethink their approach.
As the dust settles on the Test series, India and South Africa are set to renew their rivalry in a three-match ODI series. The quick turnaround offers a chance for redemption and experimentation, with both sides eager to find the right balance ahead of future assignments. Meanwhile, the T20 squad’s exploits in Australia provide a welcome distraction and a reminder of the team’s potential when the pieces fall into place.
With the fourth T20I looming at a new venue and the ODI series against South Africa about to begin, Indian cricket stands at a crossroads—buoyed by T20 resilience, yet challenged by Test setbacks. The coming days promise more drama, more debate, and, as always, the unyielding passion of cricket fans everywhere.
