Parthiv Patel predicts India’s playing XI for the first T20I against Australia

The focus now turns to the shortest format as Australia and India gear up for a five-match T20 International (T20I) series beginning Wednesday, October 29, in Canberra. After an intense ODI leg, both sides will aim to fine-tune their combinations ahead of next year’s global tournaments. Former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel has shared his prediction for India’s playing XI for the series opener, picking a mix of young talent and experienced campaigners.

Young openers to set the tone

Patel backed the explosive duo of Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill to open the innings. The pair has been in exceptional touch in recent months, providing aggressive starts at the top. Abhishek, in particular, has been a standout performer, emerging as one of India’s most promising T20 players. During the recently concluded Asia Cup 2025, the left-hander amassed 314 runs in seven matches at a remarkable strike rate of 200, making a strong case for consistent selection.

Gill, known for his ability to adapt across formats, offers stability alongside Abhishek’s flair. His temperament and shot selection make him a reliable anchor in the powerplay overs, something India will count on against a quality Australian attack.

Power-packed middle order

Patel placed Tilak Varma at number three and Suryakumar Yadav, the T20I skipper, at number four — a combination that promises both consistency and aggression. Tilak’s maturity and shot-making abilities have already earned him a reputation as one of India’s most dependable middle-order batters in T20 cricket. His tally of 213 runs at an average of 71 in the Asia Cup demonstrated his knack for building innings under pressure.

Suryakumar, on the other hand, remains India’s biggest match-winner in this format. His wide range of strokes and ability to dominate any bowling attack make him the centerpiece of India’s batting strategy.

Parthiv also chose Sanju Samson as the wicketkeeper-batter at number five, providing an explosive option in the middle overs. Samson’s recent form in domestic cricket and his adaptability in pressure situations make him a solid inclusion.

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All-round strength and bowling firepower

Interestingly, Patel went with Axar Patel as the lone spinner, opting to leave out star wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav. Axar’s all-round capabilities and control in the middle overs have made him a trusted name in white-ball cricket.

For the pace department, the former cricketer picked Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Varun Chakaravarthy as the key bowlers. Bumrah’s experience, Arshdeep’s left-arm angle, and Varun’s mystery spin add great variety to the lineup.

Adding balance to the squad, Patel included two pace-bowling all-rounders — Shivam Dube and Nitish Kumar Reddy. Both have impressed with their ability to strike big and deliver crucial overs, making them valuable assets in T20 cricket.

India eye strong start in Canberra

As India prepares for the T20I challenge, they will aim to carry forward the momentum from their Asia Cup 2025 triumph. The last time the Men in Blue toured Australia for a T20I series in 2020/21, they emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline. With a blend of youth and experience, Patel’s predicted XI reflects the depth and flexibility of India’s current T20 setup.

Parthiv Patel’s predicted XI:

Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Sanju Samson (wk), Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh.

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