IND vs AUS: Both sides test bench strength as India weather the storm to clinch series

The T20I series between India and Australia was massively affected by weather and if the  rain gods had permitted, we could have seen a more closely-contested series than what it  turned out to be. It had promised so much—a showdown between the top two T20 sides in  the world, India and Australia, ranked one and two respectively, and featuring an array of  global superstars—but in the end, Mother Nature had other plans.  

With two matches washed out and conditions proving frustrating for players and fans alike,  it was a stop-start affair that never quite found its rhythm. Yet, within those weather affected days, there were still valuable insights, glimpses of brilliance, and a few  takeaways for both teams as they build towards the next ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in  February. 

India, the reigning T20 world champions after their triumphant campaign in the Americas  and the Caribbean last year, once again showed their class, flexibility, and depth. They won  the series 2–1, a result that underlines their consistency and adaptability even in testing  circumstances. What stood out most for India was the balance they have managed to  create between experience and youth, and their willingness to give opportunities to players  who may not always find a regular spot in the starting XI. The likes of Jitesh Sharma,  Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, and Varun Chakaravarthy all got valuable game time,  and their performances added new layers to India’s already formidable squad. 

Jasprit Bumrah’s return to the playing XI gave India the edge with the ball. His control and  variations at both ends of the innings once again reminded everyone of his world-class  stature. Alongside him, Arshdeep Singh continued to impress with his ability to swing the  new ball and hold his nerve in the death overs. Chakaravarthy offered a different dimension  with his mystery spin, and India’s bowling unit as a whole looked disciplined and well rounded. But perhaps the most encouraging development was the continued rise of  Washington Sundar. Once seen primarily as a powerplay bowler, Sundar has now evolved  into a genuine all-rounder—his batting lower down the order is increasingly reliable, and  his composure adds valuable depth to the side. The way he has grown into his dual role  speaks volumes about India’s player development strategy and their focus on versatility. 

With the bat, India’s usual suspects did the heavy lifting, but the series was also about  experimentation. Suryakumar Yadav, captaining the side, continued to lead by example  with his unorthodox yet effective shot-making, while Abhishek Sharma once again showed 

glimpses of why he is considered one of the most dangerous batters in world cricket right  now. 

The debate around Shubman Gill’s workload also surfaced—whether he needs to play  every match or be rested to preserve freshness for bigger tournaments is now a topic of  discussion within the Indian think tank. Nevertheless, the series allowed several fringe  players to showcase their skills and stake a claim for a place in the T20 World Cup squad. 

Australia must feel disappointed by the fact that they lose two opportunities thanks to  weather to make a comeback in the series. The washouts in Canberra and Queensland  robbed them of crucial game time, especially for those players who were looking to  cement their spots in a transitional phase for the team. Despite the interruptions, there  were still positives. Mitch Marsh’s leadership and form were reassuring for Australia, while  Tim David, Marcus Stoinis, and Glenn Maxwell continued to provide the explosive middle order firepower that has long been Australia’s trademark in white-ball cricket. Maxwell, in  particular, remains a match-winner on his day, and his experience is invaluable as  Australia fine-tune their combinations ahead of the World Cup. 

Australia also used the series to test their bench strength. Nathan Ellis once again showed  why he’s regarded as one of the most skillful T20 bowlers in the country, particularly at the  death. Xavier Bartlett and Ben Dwarshuis got their chances too, and while conditions  weren’t always favorable, the exposure against a high-quality Indian batting lineup will do  them a world of good. Josh Inglis, meanwhile, continued his battle to cement his place as a  permanent feature in Australia’s white-ball setup. His intent at the crease and ability to  adapt to different match situations were notable, even if he didn’t always get the chance to  convert starts into big scores due to weather-shortened games. 

It’s fair to say that both teams had their plans slightly disrupted by the elements.  Springtime in Australia can be unpredictable, and this series was a reminder of that—rain  delays, wet outfields, and abandoned matches took the shine off what could have been a  blockbuster contest between two of the best sides on the planet. The players and  management from both camps would have been frustrated at the lack of complete  matches, as this was supposed to be a valuable tune-up ahead of the global tournament  early next year. Instead, they had to make do with glimpses and brief bursts of intensity  rather than sustained competition. 

Still, the broader takeaway from the series is clear: India continue to set the benchmark in  T20 cricket. Their adaptability across conditions, depth in both batting and bowling, and  clarity in roles stand out. The blend of seasoned performers like Bumrah and Suryakumar 

with emerging names like Sundar and Jitesh suggests that the team’s structure is robust  enough to handle transitions smoothly. For Australia, despite the frustration, there were  enough encouraging signs to suggest they remain a major threat, particularly at home.  Their power hitters, pace-bowling options, and all-round depth ensure they will always be  in contention. 

In the end, India’s 2–1 series win in Australia—rain and all—was another testament to their  growing dominance and self-belief. Beating Australia in their own backyard, in any format,  is never easy, regardless of the conditions or interruptions. It may not have been the most  memorable series in terms of drama or decisive results, but it did its job in shaping  combinations, revealing form, and setting the tone for what’s to come. Both teams will  take the lessons forward as they prepare for the bigger stage in February.