India will aim to finish their Australian tour on a high when they face the hosts in the fifth and final T20I at The Gabba, Brisbane, on Saturday. With a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, Suryakumar Yadav’s men are on the verge of another overseas triumph.
India Aim for a Strong Finish
Having maintained a 17-year unbeaten T20I series record in Australia, India will look to seal the series with confidence. Despite their dominance, inconsistency in the middle order remains a concern.
The spotlight will be on Shubman Gill and captain Suryakumar Yadav, who are eager to end the tour on a strong note before next month’s South Africa series.
Batting Department: Gill Searches for Form
India showed better game awareness in the last match at Carrara Oval. They reached 121 for 2 in 14 overs before collapsing, losing four wickets for just 15 runs.
Vice-captain Shubman Gill, without a fifty in seven innings, looked fluent in his 46-run knock in the fourth T20I. He will be desperate to convert his start and end the series positively.
Suryakumar Yadav, meanwhile, has played a few impactful cameos but hasn’t capitalized on them. The skipper will look for a big innings to set the tone ahead of upcoming assignments.
Youngsters Tilak Varma and Jitesh Sharma will also be under scrutiny. While Tilak is yet to find rhythm, Jitesh needs a defining performance to justify his selection ahead of Sanju Samson.
Abhishek Sharma has been impressive at the top, combining power-hitting with composure, while Axar Patel’s late flourish (11-ball 21) added valuable depth.
Bowlers Shine as Spin Takes Center Stage
India’s bowlers have been consistent throughout the series. Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah have led the pace attack, striking early and maintaining control.
However, the real strength has been India’s spin trio — Varun Chakaravarthy, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar. Even without Kuldeep Yadav, they have dominated Australia’s middle order.
Washington Sundar’s 3 for 3 in the fourth T20I and Dube’s 23-ball 49 were key performances. Shivam Dube also chipped in with wickets, showing his growing value as an all-rounder.
Australia Struggle Against Spin
Australia’s major concern remains their vulnerability to spin. In the previous game, Varun, Axar, and Washington combined for six wickets in under 10 overs.
Captain Mitchell Marsh has carried their batting, supported by Marcus Stoinis and Tim David. However, the absence of Travis Head hurt their top order as they failed to chase 168.
Matthew Short, usually an opener, has been batting lower down but might be pushed up in the order this time. The hosts also miss Josh Hazlewood’s experience, as Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa continue to shoulder responsibility.
Australia could give Mahli Beardman his debut after Ben Dwarshuis went wicketless in the fourth T20I.
Match Details
- Match: India vs Australia, 5th T20I
- Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
- Venue: The Gabba, Brisbane
- Toss: 1:15 PM (IST)
- Start: 1:45 PM (IST)
India Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson (WK), Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar.
Australia Squad: Mitchell Marsh (C), Matthew Short, Josh Inglis (WK), Josh Philippe (WK), Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa, Mahli Beardman, Matt Kuhnemann, Ben Dwarshuis, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Mitchell Owen.
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