India’s T20I squad has once again proven its mettle on the international stage, clinching a hard-fought 2-1 series victory against Australia on their home turf. The triumph, sealed after the fifth and final match at the Gabba was washed out due to rain, not only showcased the team’s resilience but also placed a spotlight on the strategic depth and versatility of its all-rounders and spinners. With the T20 World Cup looming just months away, this series served as both a test and a statement: India’s preparations are on track, and their opponents should take notice.
Washington Sundar, the 26-year-old all-rounder who has often found himself on the fringes of the T20I setup, emerged as the series’ Impact Player. In a behind-the-scenes moment captured by the BCCI, Sundar was all smiles as team operations manager Rahil Khaja presented him with the coveted medal. "Coming over here and getting an opportunity to play in Australia is amazing, and to have contributed to the team’s victory makes me definitely happy," Sundar said after receiving the award. His performances were nothing short of game-changing.
In the third T20I at Hobart, Sundar was promoted up the batting order—a move that paid off handsomely. He top-scored with a blistering 49 not out off just 23 balls, peppering the boundary with four sixes and three fours. That knock propelled India to a five-wicket win, leveling the series 1-1 and swinging the momentum decisively in their favor. Sundar’s ability to shift gears and adapt to the team’s needs was on full display, earning praise from teammates and pundits alike.
When the action shifted to the fourth T20I, Sundar’s role changed again. Held back in the bowling attack until the death overs, he responded with a devastating spell—snaring three wickets in just five deliveries across two overs. That late burst triggered a dramatic Australian collapse, securing a 48-run victory for India and an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series. "It’s such a great feeling to get this medal from him. We know the kind of work he (Khaja) puts in every single day to make a lot of our jobs very easy," Sundar acknowledged, highlighting the team’s collective spirit.
Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan was quick to highlight the critical role of all-rounders in this series win. On his YouTube channel, Pathan remarked, "The strength of this team is the all-rounders. I’m focusing on all-rounders because Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar and Axar Patel have been the biggest positives, especially Sundar as he’s not been a regular part of the T20I side. He got an opportunity and played a 49-run knock in Hobart. When he received an opportunity to bowl, he picked up three wickets." Pathan also underscored the team’s forward-thinking approach, noting how the management is preparing for scenarios where Hardik Pandya might be unavailable due to injury. Shivam Dube’s evolution into a seam-bowling all-rounder and the emergence of Nitish Kumar Reddy as another option have deepened India’s bench strength.
India’s spin-heavy strategy also drew significant attention throughout the series. Even with Kuldeep Yadav sent home early to prepare for the Test series against South Africa, the trio of Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar delivered in spades. Chakravarthy, in particular, demonstrated why he is currently the No.1 ranked T20I bowler. Across three innings, he claimed five wickets with an economy rate of 6.83, including standout performances in Melbourne, Hobart, and Carrara. His mystery spin and clever variations left Australian batters guessing, with the delivery that uprooted Glenn Maxwell’s off-stump in the fourth game being dubbed the "ball of the series."
Axar Patel’s dual contributions with both bat and ball further underscored his value. After a quiet outing in Hobart, Axar bounced back at Carrara with a quickfire 21-run cameo and bowling figures of 2/20. His ability to read batters’ movements and cramp them for room has made him an indispensable part of the lineup. As the team continues to emphasize batting depth, Axar’s presence provides the kind of balance that modern T20 cricket demands.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav, steering the squad with composure and tactical acumen, was effusive in his praise for the team’s collective effort. "The way everyone chipped in every game, it was a complete team effort with the bat, ball and in the field," he commented after the final game. Suryakumar’s willingness to experiment with bowling combinations—such as deploying Sundar in the 17th over of the fourth T20I—paid dividends and suggested a growing confidence in the squad’s adaptability.
Australia, for their part, entered the series finale at the Gabba with a formidable T20I record at the venue, having lost only once in eight matches since 2006. Yet, India’s professionalism and resilience—especially after an early defeat—ensured that the hosts’ hopes of leveling the series were dashed by both rain and superior opposition. Despite missing key players like Hardik Pandya, India fielded a settled unit, blending experience and youth to great effect.
Looking ahead, India’s next T20I challenge will be a five-match home series against South Africa, beginning December 9. The Men in Blue will aim to build on their recent successes, having previously defeated the Proteas 3-1 on South African soil in 2024. With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, the team’s current form and depth—especially in the spin and all-rounder departments—bode well for their title defense.
As the dust settles on a rain-affected but memorable series, one thing is clear: India’s T20I squad is brimming with options, confidence, and a winning mentality. With Sundar, Chakravarthy, Axar, and Dube stepping up when it mattered most, and with Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership fostering a culture of adaptability, the team looks well-poised for the challenges that lie ahead. The rest of the cricketing world has been put on notice—India’s spin revolution and all-round prowess are here to stay.
