India’s five-match T20I series in Australia started and ended with washouts but in the three matches that took place in between, they came from 1-0 down to win the series 2-1. Captain Suryakumar Yadav hailed his team’s performance throughout the series, noting that players from all departments stepped up at different points and it provides a good selection headache for the team management going into the 2026 T20 World Cup.
“The way everyone chipped in and the way we came back from 0-1 down, credit to all the boys. Was a good series with bat, ball and in the field as well,” said Suryakumar in the post-match presentation ceremony after the fifth T20I at the Gabba was washed out.
Fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh got a good workout in the three matches, with India not bowling in either of the washed out games, but spinners Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy stepped up as well.
“Both fast bowlers and spinners know their job very well. Bumrah-Arshdeep is a lethal combination. And then Axar, Varun coming in doing what they do best. And Washi coming in handy in the last game. They’ve played a lot of T20 cricket now, they bring a lot to the table and are backing themselves. Good headache to have – lots of players have been doing really well,” said Suryakumar.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav with the winning trophy after the 5th T20I in Brisbane. (BCCI Photo)
India next host South Africa and New Zealand for a couple of five-match T20I series before the T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to start on February 7. “Playing three strong teams – Australia, SA and NZ – going to be a great buildup for the World Cup,” said Suryakumar.
Suryakumar also spoke about what it could be like to be playing a T20 World Cup at home, noting the kind of support that their female counterparts received on their run to a historic Women’s World Cup title. “I saw recently what happened with the women’s team winning the World Cup in India, having an unbelievable support (from the crowd). When you’re playing at home, of course there’s a lot of pressure. But at the same time a lot of excitement and responsibility. When you’re playing in your backyard, there will be a lot of support from everyone wherever we play in India. Going to be a good challenge, exciting tournament, but it’s still far away,” he said.
