Key positives for India from the 4-1 T20I series triumph against Australia

India secured a resounding 4-1 series triumph against Australia in the five-match T20I series with a remarkable bowling display and a crucial innings by Shreyas Iyer in the last game.

In Bengaluru, India clinched their fourth win in the series on Sunday (December 3), defeating Australia by six runs in a nail-biting finish. Despite the Men in Blues' dominance throughout, the last match was fiercely contested.

Mukesh Kumar claimed three wickets, and Ravi Bishnoi exhibited spin brilliance with two crucial dismissals. Australia required 10 runs in the last over but pacer Arshdeep Singh conceded only 3, securing India's thrilling victory and a 4-1 series win.

Big positives for India

A much-needed boost

• Both Indian players and fans were left disheartened after India’s defeat against Australia in the ODI World Cup 2023 final, marking a disappointing conclusion to the Men in Blue's exceptional World Cup campaign.

• The subsequent T20I series against Australia presented the Indian team with an opportunity to overcome their prior disappointments and reinvigorate their winning momentum, a chance effectively seized by Suryakumar Yadav and his team.

Talent hunt for T20 World Cup 2024

• This series held significant importance for both the players and Indian selectors in light of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 scheduled in the USA and West Indies.
• The five-match series witnessed several consistent and impressive performers, broadening the options for the Indian selectors to assemble a well-rounded and competitive team for the T20 World Cup 2024.

• Rituraj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, and Mukhesh Kumar emerged as standout performers in this five-match series, raising hopes for a potential selection in the upcoming World Cup.

A solid start for skipper Suryakumar Yadav

• During the five-match series, Suryakumar Yadav made his debut as the Indian skipper, filling in for the injured Hardik Pandya after Pandya's injury during the ODI World Cup.

• The series highlighted glimpses of Surya's leadership abilities and decision-making, which is a positive development recognised by Indian selectors and the BCCI.

• This is promising as he is slated to lead the squad in the upcoming T20 series against South Africa starting from December 10, 2023.

India aims to carry forward the positives gained as they journey to South Africa, aiming to transform these gains into foundational pillars for their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign.