Rain Spoils Opening T20 as Suryakumar Yadav Regains Form Against Australia

The opening T20 International between India and Australia at Canberra’s Manuka Oval ended without a result after persistent rain forced the match to be abandoned, but not before Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav gave fans a glimpse of his return to form.

Put in to bat first, India made a confident start, racing to 97 for 1 in just 9.4 overs when rain halted play for the final time. Suryakumar remained unbeaten on a fluent 39 off 24 balls, while vice-captain Shubman Gill contributed a quickfire 37 not out from 20 deliveries. Their 62-run partnership dominated Australia’s bowling attack and hinted at India’s aggressive intent early in the series.

For Suryakumar, the innings marked a significant comeback after a difficult run of form throughout 2025, during which he managed just 100 runs in 11 T20 innings. On Tuesday, however, the Indian captain looked in control, striking cleanly and rediscovering the rhythm that once made him one of the most feared batters in the format. His confident stroke play, including a towering six over square leg off Josh Hazlewood, was a highlight for the visiting fans.

Gill, too, looked composed, mixing power with placement as he struck several boundaries and a six. Their partnership laid a solid platform before dark clouds interrupted the contest. Despite two attempts to resume play, heavy rain eventually forced the umpires to call off the game without a single ball bowled in Australia’s chase.

While the weather denied both teams a chance for a result, India will take encouragement from their captain’s resurgence and the strong top-order showing. The five-match series now moves to Melbourne, where both sides will hope for clearer skies and a more decisive encounter.