India vs Australia T20I 2025: After Rain Washes Out the Opener, Team India Gears Up for Melbourne Clash Under Suryakumar Yadav | Full Schedule & Results

India vs Australia T20I 2025: After the rain-affected opening T20I, Team India has now flown to Melbourne to face Australia in the second encounter of the five-match series.
The Indian camp is brimming with confidence, especially with captain Suryakumar Yadav returning to top form.

India had started brilliantly in Canberra before rain interrupted play. Now, all eyes are on the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where the second T20I will take place on Friday.

Rain in Canberra, but India’s Batting Stole the Show

In the first T20I at Manuka Oval, Canberra, India won the toss and opted to bat first, posting 97/1 in 9.4 overs before the match was abandoned.

• Suryakumar Yadav (39 runs off 24 balls) and Shubman Gill (47* off 28 balls) looked in sublime touch.
• Surya’s 125-meter six off Josh Hazlewood became a viral moment on social media.
  Unfortunately, persistent rain forced the game to be called off, but India’s dominance was clear to see.

Next Stop—The MCG

The second T20I will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday. The weather department has again forecast light showers, but the hope remains for a full 20-over contest.

Under head coach Gautam Gambhir, India’s aggressive batting mindset continues to evolve, and the players are likely to stick with their fearless approach.

Gautam Gambhir’s Strategy—”Go for 250, Even if You’re Bowled Out for 130”

Gambhir’s philosophy is crystal clear: “High-Risk, High-Reward Cricket.” He wants his batters to play attacking cricket without fear — even if that means risking a collapse.

According to him, aiming for 250+ scores in T20s is the future, and getting dismissed for 130 is not a problem if the intent is right. This mindset has freed up India’s young guns — Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Shivam Dube — who are now playing with fearless aggression.

Suryakumar Yadav’s Return—A Big Boost for India

The biggest positive for India is the return of captain Suryakumar Yadav to form. With the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 approaching, his rhythm and confidence are crucial. His strike rate, calm composure, and body language send a strong message — India’s middle order is rock solid once again.

Bowling Spotlight—Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy

India didn’t get to bowl in the rain-hit opener, but the presence of Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakaravarthy adds great depth. Even if India posts a modest total, this bowling unit has the ability to defend it.

Australia’s Challenge—The Marsh & Head Factor

Australia’s top order remains dangerous with Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh in superb form. However, the absence of Mitchell Starc (T20 retirement) and the injury to Pat Cummins have weakened their bowling lineup. The pressure now shifts to Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Ellis to deliver with the ball.

Predicted India XI

1. Abhishek Sharma
2. Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain)
3. Suryakumar Yadav (Captain)
4. Tilak Varma
5. Rinku Singh
6. Shivam Dube
7. Axar Patel
8. Jitesh Sharma (WK)
9. Jasprit Bumrah
10. Varun Chakaravarthy
11. Arshdeep Singh

Predicted Australia XI

1. Travis Head
2. Mitchell Marsh (Captain)
3. Tim David
4. Marcus Stoinis
5. Josh Inglis (WK)
6. Matthew Short
7. Josh Hazlewood
8. Nathan Ellis
9. Xavier Bartlett
10. Matthew Kuhnemann
11. Sean Abbott

Winner Prediction

Despite the rain, India’s confidence from the first match remains sky-high. The batting unit is in form and the bowling lineup looks balanced and experienced. While Australia enjoys the home advantage, the momentum seems slightly tilted toward India.

Predicted Winner: India 🇮🇳 (60%)

India vs Australia T20I 2025—Schedule & Results

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