By Subhayan Chakraborty in Brisbane
India’s recent T20I series victory against Australia by a 2-1 margin underscored head coach Gautam Gambhir’s strategic emphasis on extending batting-line-up capabilities while leveraging spin resources effectively, even on surfaces traditionally favouring fast bowlers. By committing to three spinners across all five matches, the team demonstrated adaptability and foresight, particularly with the T20 World Cup scheduled on Indian pitches in three months’ time.
The partnership between Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill delivered consistent momentum at the top, barring the third encounter in Hobart. This left-right duo, both hailing from Punjab and longtime teammates since the under-12 level, combined aggressive stroke play with mutual understanding to exploit powerplay restrictions. Abhishek emerged as the series’ leading run-scorer with 163 runs, earning Player of the Tournament honours, while Gill accumulated 132 runs. Their approach echoed successful templates from the 2025 Asia Cup, highlighting clean ball-striking and high strike rates that pressured Australian bowlers early.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav took on the innings with calculated aggression, displaying versatility against both seam and spin. Though occasional inconsistencies crept in, his command during key phases reaffirmed his pivotal role in the batting order. Suryakumar’s decision to persist with three spinners, Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel in every game, Kuldeep Yadav initially, and Washington Sundar as a mid-series replacement in the XI, paid dividends. The spin group claimed 12 of India’s 22 wickets, offering middle-overs restraint, diverse variations, and valuable contributions lower down.
This configuration aligned with Gambhir’s blueprint for a robust lower order capable of batting through to No. 9 without collapse. The spinners not only contained runs but also added crucial contributions in pressure situations, embodying the coach’s preference for versatile players who excel in multiple facets.
Axar Patel stood out as a consistent performer, delivering economical spells across phases and timely knocks that stabilised or accelerated innings. His dual impact rendered him indispensable in the shorter format. Washington Sundar’s integration proved seamless, his unbeaten 49 and disciplined bowling provided balance at positions seven or eight, enhancing both bowling options and batting security.
Sanju Samson’s series trajectory highlighted the ruthlessness of selection decisions. Initially part of the squad, the wicketkeeper-batter from Kerala was dropped after early failures, making way for Jitesh Sharma from the third match. Management signals pointed towards Gill and Abhishek as the established opening combination, with Jitesh securing the glove work and finishing duties.
Meanwhile, Yashasvi Jaiswal, a regular in Tests, may need patience to reclaim a T20I berth at the top.
Gambhir’s tactics, prioritising spin variety, deep batting, and all-round utility, propelled India to series success while outlining a template suited for subcontinental conditions ahead. For now, the Gambhir-Yadav pairing remains unbeaten in T20I series.
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