After an exciting end to the ODI series, which Australia won 2-1, the focus now shifts to the T20I series between India and Australia. Notably, India, under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav has remained unbeaten in their recent T20I outings, while Australia enter the series fresh from T20I wins over New Zealand and South Africa.
However, as the two sides gear up for this battle, a few Indian players will be feeling the heat. These cricketers have faced criticism due to recent poor performances and now have a golden chance to silence their doubters. Let’s take a closer look at who is under pressure and why.
Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav is widely known for his explosive batting style. Yet, in recent months, his form has dipped dramatically. In 2025 so far, he has played 11 T20I innings and scored only 100 runs, averaging just 11.11 with a strike rate of around 105. These numbers are disappointing for someone who was once ranked among the world’s top T20I batters.
Criterion
Data
Matches
12
Runs
100
Average
11.11
Strike Rate
105.26
[SKY's overall T20I performance in 2025]
The Asia Cup 2025 was another setback for Surya. He managed only 72 runs in six innings, again struggling to find rhythm or consistency. As captain, the pressure is double, he not only has to lead the team tactically but also anchor the batting lineup.
Notably, this five-match series could define his confidence going forward, and a few big knocks might help him rediscover his old magic.
Shubman Gill’s return to the T20I side has brought excitement but also expectation. After being away from the format for more than a year, Gill reappeared during the Asia Cup 2025. Although he scored 127 runs in seven innings at an average of 21.17, he couldn’t make the kind of impact fans were hoping for.
Criterion
Data
Matches
7
Runs
127
Average
21.17
Strike Rate
151.19
[Shubman Gill's overall performance in Asia Cup 2025]
Interestingly, Gill was in sensational touch during the IPL 2025, where he piled up 650 runs in 15 innings with an average of 50. Those performances showed what he is capable of in T20 cricket.
Now, with this series marking his debut in Australia and against Australia in the shortest format, the pressure is on him to adapt quickly to the conditions.
Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson finds himself in a tricky position. After Shubman Gill’s return, Samson was demoted down the order, a role that hasn’t always suited him. In the Asia Cup 2025, batting in the middle order, he scored 132 runs in four innings at a strike rate of 124.53, decent but not outstanding.
What makes things more difficult for Samson is the growing competition. Jitesh Sharma, another wicketkeeper-batter, has been performing well in the middle order and is known for his finishing skills in the IPL 2025.
Criterion
Data
Matches
21
Runs
382
Average
21.2
Strike Rate
124.0
[Sanju Samson's overall performance in middle order]
This means Samson will have to prove he can consistently perform under pressure, adapt to a lower batting position, and deliver when it matters most. His overall T20I numbers in the middle order, 382 runs in 21 matches at an average of 21.2, show promise but also the need for improvement. This series could be make-or-break for him.
Harshit Rana
Indian pacer Harshit Rana showed glimpses of his talent in the recent ODI series against Australia, where he picked up six wickets in three matches. However, his T20I record so far hasn’t been as impressive. In Asia Cup T20 2025, he was quite expensive, conceding runs at an economy rate of 11.29 and taking just two wickets in two games.
With only three T20I matches under his belt, Rana will be eager to prove that he can perform at the international level. Teaming up with experienced bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh will give him valuable support, but he must show that he can handle the pressure and bowl smartly against Australian batters.
![Australia vs India in T20Is [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1761552120189_Shubman_Gill_And_Surya.jpg?type=hq)
Australia vs India in T20Is [Source: AFP]
