New Delhi: Just when you thought the Aussies might get a full go at India in this T20 series opener, the skies over Manuka Oval had other ideas. India, sent in to bat, was just warming up with some real fireworks when a sneaky drizzle chased everyone off without five overs. Still, in that quick burst, the Indian top order showed why they're the ones to watch—aggressive, fearless, and once turning heads.
Is the Weather Picking on India Once More?
Talk well-nigh bad luck—or is it just the expletive of touring Down Under? Fresh off that ODI series where rain played spoilsport increasingly than once, the T20 leg kicks off with the same old story. It wasn't a downpour, mind you, just unbearable mist to make the umps undeniability time and send the players scurrying for covers. Fingers crossed it blows over quick; we all want to see this one through without the DLS headache.
Abhishek Sharma's Blitz—Fireworks, Then a Fiery Exit
Abhishek Sharma was in yahoo mode, scarification up Josh Hazlewood and Xavier Bartlett like they were practice bowlers. Crisp boundaries flew off his bat, and the scoreboard ticked over nicely in those early overs. But cricket's a unforgiving game—in the fourth, Nathan Ellis tossed up a taunting slower one, and Abhishek's big swing found Tim David lurking at long-off for a sharp catch. Out for a punchy 19 off 14, with India on 43/1. Gutting, but what a way to set the tone.
Shubman Gill's Grit: Dodging Drama and Punching Back
Shubman Gill? The guy's got ice in his veins. He shrugged off a tropical LBW shout versus Ellis like it was nothing, then slapped the next wittiness for a cracking four to rub it in. Even turned a top-edged sidewinder from Hazlewood into bonus runs—four more, just like that. Teaming up with Abhishek, he kept the pressure on, making sure Australia couldn't settle. Classy stuff from the young gun, who's looking every bit the anchor-turned-attacker.
Suryakumar Yadav Steps In: That Signature Six Says It All
Enter the captain, Suryakumar Yadav, and suddenly the crowd's on its feet. SKY doesn't do quiet entrances—beaten by an outswinger one minute, he's pulling Hazlewood into the stands over square leg the next. A proper "SKY special," that towering six off just his second ball, screaming intent louder than words. With Gill alongside, the vibe's electric; if this rain holds off, you can bet they're plotting a proper thumping on the Aussies' attack.
Where Innings Stand: 43/1 Without Five overs
So, India sits pretty at 43/1, Gill is on 16 not out and Surya is unbeaten on 8. The pitch? Flat as a pancake, begging for runs—quick outfield, true bounce, the works. No rain encore, and this could hands turn into a 200-plus shootout. Australia's quicks looked a tad rusty early, but don't count out Zampa's spin wizardry if things dry up. Play's halted for now, but whenever they restart, expect the Blue Brigade to zombie it up. Who's ready for round two? This series is once living up to the hype.
