Canberra, October 29, 2025: Suryakumar Yadav rediscovered his flair with a stylish unbeaten 39 before rain washed out the opening T20 International between India and Australia at the Manuka Oval on Wednesday.
The Indian captain, who had endured a lean run throughout 2025, looked back to his best as he joined vice-captain Shubman Gill in an entertaining 62-run stand off just 35 balls. Gill remained unbeaten on 37 from 20 deliveries when play was abandoned due to persistent showers.
Suryakumar’s innings was a reminder of his trademark elegance — crisp drives, audacious pulls, and a signature six over square leg off Josh Hazlewood — signaling his long-awaited return to form. The Manuka Oval surface, with its even bounce, seemed perfectly suited to his stroke play as he effortlessly mixed aggression with control.
After a measured start, the skipper unleashed a flurry of boundaries against Nathan Ellis in the 10th over, including a square cut, a clean off-drive, and a towering pull. Gill, at the other end, combined timing and power, smashing a slog-swept six off spinner Matt Kuhnemann and rotating strike with authority.
Earlier, opener Abhishek Sharma gave India a brisk start with 19 off 14 balls before falling to Ellis’s slower delivery, caught at mid-off. India were cruising at 94 for 1 in 9.4 overs when the second spell of rain proved decisive, forcing officials to call off the match.
While the washout denied India a potential win, the top order’s return to rhythm, especially Suryakumar’s resurgence, offered a positive takeaway ahead of the remaining fixtures in the series.
