India and Australia are set to renew their fierce rivalry as they kick off a thrilling five-match T20I series in Canberra on Wednesday, marking a crucial phase in both teams’ build-up to the T20 World Cup 2026. With the top two-ranked sides in the format going head-to-head, the next ten days promise high-intensity cricket, strategy-driven battles, and world-class performances on Australian soil. After their dominant Asia Cup triumph, India enters the series brimming with confidence and momentum.

Led by Suryakumar Yadav, the Men in Blue have been near-unbeatable in T20Is this year, combining explosive batting depth with sharp bowling options. Their opponents, Australia, have been equally impressive, continuing their remarkable run with 26 wins in 32 T20Is since January 2024. During that span, they clinched bilateral series victories against England, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, and the West Indies, remaining unbeaten across eight consecutive series. Notably, their last T20I series defeat came at the hands of India back in 2023 — something they’ll be eager to avenge.

India, however, will once again be without Hardik Pandya, whose all-around abilities remain irreplaceable. Still, the visitors boast a strong balance through all-rounders Axar Patel and Shivam Dube, alongside the deadly wrist-spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy. Since the start of 2024, India has won an astonishing 32 of their 38 T20Is, underlining their status as one of the most dominant T20 sides globally.

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The Manuka Oval surface in Canberra generally assists batters but tends to slow down as the game progresses. Historically, the average first-innings total in T20Is here is around 144, and India has won their only match at this venue, defending 161 successfully back in 2020.

Weather-wise, conditions are expected to be calm and slightly overcast, with light showers possible but unlikely to affect play. All signs point toward a fiery contest as both sides look to set the tone ahead of the World Cup.

Australia

With Mitchell Starc’s retirement, Australia have a vacant seamer’s slot, and Xavier Bartlett looks poised to fill it with his sharp new-ball swing and lower-order hitting. Alongside him, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, and Josh Hazlewood are expected to complete the bowling attack, offering balance and control. The Aussies’ all-rounder-heavy approach gives them plenty of bowling depth, with skipper Mitchell Marsh leading from the front after a stunning run of form — averaging over 125 in his last four innings.

Probable XI: Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Short, Tim David, Mitchell Owen, Marcus Stoinis, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Tanveer Sangha.

India

Nitish Reddy is unlikely to feature as he continues to recover from his Adelaide ODI injury. That opens the door for Shivam Dube, who impressed with his all-round contributions in the UAE, to take up the supporting seamer’s role. The pace attack will once again be spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Harshit Rana, both in pleasing rhythm. At the top, Abhishek Sharma will be India’s key player to watch. His ability to counter Australia’s shorter, skiddier lengths — especially square of the wicket — could define India’s batting success on these quick surfaces.

Probable XI: Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh/Kuldeep Yadav.