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Australia and India are set to renew their electrifying rivalry in the shortest format as the five-match T20I series begins on October 29, at Canberra’s Manuka Oval. After India avoided a whitewash in the ODI series with a dominant nine-wicket win in Sydney, both sides now switch focus to the T20Is, expected to deliver high-intensity cricket between two power-packed lineups. The pitch at Canberra promises a balanced contest, aiding stroke-makers while offering assistance to seamers who hit the right areas.
AUS vs IND: Adam Gilchrist’s cryptic series prediction
As excitement builds ahead of the opener, Australian legend Adam Gilchrist has ignited debate with his playful yet cryptic prediction for the upcoming T20I series. Speaking on air, Gilchrist was asked to forecast the final scoreline between the two cricketing juggernauts. With a grin, he quipped, “Oof, no captain… uh, let’s go 3–2.” When host Sahiba Bali sought clarification, Gilchrist added, “Yeah, sleep with that. Make up your own mind who’s got three and who’s got two,” leaving fans guessing which side he secretly favours.
The prediction reflects Gilchrist’s reputation for competitive balance and his awareness of how evenly matched the two squads are. India enter the T20 leg with form and depth, having recently lifted the Asia Cup under power-hitters like Abhishek Sharma, while Australia remain formidable at home, boasting the firepower of Mitchell Marsh, Tim David and Glenn Maxwell. The previous T20 encounters between the sides have often gone down to the wire, and Gilchrist’s 3–2 projection perfectly captures the closeness expected in this five-match duel.
Also READ: Top 5 players with most ODI hundreds against Australia ft. Rohit Sharma
Gilchrist names the player to watch out for
When asked which Indian player Australia should be wary of, Gilchrist surprised many by picking left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh. “I think Arshdeep Singh, he’s quite venomous with the ball at the top of the innings and at the end of the innings. I think he is India’s leading wicket-taker in the T20 format in international cricket. So, I think he’s someone who the Aussies need to be mindful of,” said the Australian great.
Arshdeep, who took three wickets across the first two ODIs earlier this month, has quietly become one of India’s most effective bowlers with his ability to swing the new ball and execute yorkers under pressure. His rise has been remarkable, often stepping up in crucial moments for India’s T20 side over the past year. On the other hand, Abhishek remains another key figure following his stellar Asia Cup campaign, where he amassed 314 runs at a strike rate of 200, earning both the Player of the Tournament and ICC Player of the Month award for September.
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