India and Australia are set to face off in the first T20I of the five-match series at Manuka Oval, Canberra, on Wednesday. The encounter between the world’s No. 1 and No. 2 ranked T20I sides promises intense cricketing action, though rain clouds hover as a potential spoiler.

Suryakumar Yadav aims to regain form

Team India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, enters the series riding high after their Asia Cup 2025 triumph. However, all eyes will be on the skipper himself, whose recent batting form has raised some concerns. The Indian captain will look to lead from the front and rediscover his rhythm with the bat.

Australia, on the other hand, arrives with a formidable lineup including Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Josh Hazlewood — a combination that ensures India can’t afford complacency. Both teams have displayed dominant performances in T20Is recently, each winning eight of their last ten games. While India’s tally includes one tied match, Australia had one washed out.

Cricket fans will be watching closely as the two heavyweights battle it out, with weather conditions likely to influence the opening match’s outcome.

India’s ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer has been admitted to a hospital in Sydney after suffering internal bleeding from a rib cage injury sustained during the third ODI against Australia. The injury, described as “potentially fatal” by a team source, has left Iyer under intensive care and extended his expected recovery timeline.

Sudden deterioration after on-field injury

Iyer injured himself while taking a spectacular backward-running catch to dismiss Alex Carey. Soon after returning to the dressing room, he reportedly felt discomfort, prompting immediate medical attention.
According to sources, the medical team detected internal bleeding following a scan, after which Iyer was rushed to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

“He has been in ICU for the past couple of days. Internal bleeding was detected, and he had to be admitted immediately,” the source said, adding that doctors are monitoring him closely to prevent infection due to the internal injury.

“Could have been fatal,” says team source

Team doctors acted swiftly when Iyer’s vital signs fluctuated in the dressing room. “The medical staff didn’t take any chances and took him to the hospital immediately. Things are stable now, but it could have been fatal. He’s a tough lad and should be fine soon,” the source added.

Initially expected to miss around three weeks of cricket, Iyer’s recovery could now take longer due to the severity of the injury.
“With internal bleeding involved, he’ll need more time to heal. It’s difficult to put a timeline on his return,” the source said.

To remain in Sydney for recovery

The 31-year-old batter is likely to stay under observation in the Sydney hospital for at least a week before being cleared to travel back to India. He is not part of India’s T20 squad.

India produced a commanding display in the third and final ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, securing a dominant nine-wicket victory to end the series 2-1 in favour of the hosts. Captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli anchored the chase of 237 with a flawless partnership, ensuring India wrapped up the game in just 38.3 overs.

Rohit, who had struggled in the opening match, returned to form with style. After a fluent 73 in the second ODI, he followed it up with his 33rd ODI century – also his 50th in international cricket. His innings reinforced his reputation as one of the most consistent limited-overs batters in world cricket.

Kohli Surpasses Sangakkara, Delivers Classic Knock

Virat Kohli, too, found his rhythm after two early dismissals in the series. The right-hander reached his fifty off 56 deliveries and went on to make history by surpassing Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history, behind only Sachin Tendulkar.

During the innings, Kohli also set another milestone, overtaking Tendulkar for the most fifty-plus scores in successful ODI chases. His partnership with Rohit, defined by precise stroke play and calm execution, dismantled Australia’s attack.

Harshit Rana’s Spell Turns The Tide

Earlier in the day, Australia were bundled out for 236 in 46.4 overs after being comfortably placed at 183 for 3. Pacer Harshit Rana, backed consistently by head coach Gautam Gambhir, justified the faith with a brilliant spell of 4 for 39. His incisive bowling triggered a collapse that saw the hosts lose their last seven wickets for just 53 runs.

Mitchell Marsh, who had opted to bat first after winning the toss, top-scored for Australia, but none of the batters could convert their starts into big scores.

India End Tour On High Note

Despite losing the series, India’s emphatic win in Sydney will serve as a confidence booster heading into the upcoming T20 leg. Rohit’s return to form, Kohli’s records, and Rana’s rise were the standout moments in what turned into a memorable outing for the Men in Blue.