Cricket fans are in for a thrilling start as India faces Australia in the first T20I of a five-match series today, October 29, 2025, at Manuka Oval in Canberra. This opener pits the world’s top two T20 teams against each other, with India aiming to build on their recent Asia Cup victory and Australia looking to dominate at home ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
India comes into the match fresh from a strong showing in the Asia Cup, where they clinched the title with dominant performances. Australia, meanwhile, recently triumphed over South Africa and New Zealand in T20 series, showing their depth and resilience. The series serves as key preparation for both sides, especially with the World Cup on the horizon. Suryakumar Yadav leads India in his first major test as captain, while Mitchell Marsh guides the hosts. Key battles, like young openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill facing Josh Hazlewood, could define the game.
Match Preview and Key Storylines
India seeks revenge after losing the recent ODI series 2-1 to Australia. That defeat highlighted areas for improvement, but the return of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah strengthens their bowling attack. Australia misses Glenn Maxwell for the first two games due to injury, but their squad remains packed with talent.
Both teams have enjoyed success this year. India won the ICC T20 World Cup in 2024 and followed it with the Asia Cup title. Australia has been consistent in bilateral series, blending experience with emerging stars. This matchup revives a historic rivalry, seen in past epics like the 2023 World Cup final where Australia edged out India.
Weather in Canberra looks clear for the day, with temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius, promising uninterrupted play. The pitch at Manuka Oval often favors batsmen early on, but spinners could come into play later.
Fans expect high-scoring encounters, given the firepower on both sides. India’s batting depth, with players like Rinku Singh and Tilak Varma, matches Australia’s aggressive style led by Travis Head and Marcus Stoinis.
Team Squads and Lineups
India’s squad features a mix of youth and experience, captained by Suryakumar Yadav. Key inclusions like Bumrah’s return add firepower to the pace department.
Australia, under Mitchell Marsh, has made adjustments for injuries but retains a strong core.
Here are the full squads:
- India Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar.
- Australia Squad: Mitchell Marsh (captain), Sean Abbott (games 1-3), Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman (games 3-5), Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis (games 4-5), Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood (games 1-2), Glenn Maxwell (games 3-5), Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe (wk), Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
Probable playing XIs might see India opting for a spin-heavy attack with Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy, while Australia could rely on their seamers early.
How to Watch: Streaming and Telecast Details
Viewers in India can catch the action live on television through the Star Sports network, which offers coverage in multiple languages including English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada.
For online streaming, the JioHotstar app and website provide free access for subscribers, making it easy to watch on mobile devices or smart TVs.
| Region | TV Channels | Streaming Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| India | Star Sports 1/HD, Star Sports 1 Hindi/HD, Star Sports regional channels | JioHotstar app and website |
| Australia | Fox Sports, Channel 7 | Kayo Sports, Foxtel Go |
| USA | Willow TV | Willow TV app, Sling TV |
| UK | Sky Sports Cricket | Sky Go app, Now TV |
| Other Countries | Varies by region (check local broadcasters) | Official ICC partners or local apps |
The match starts at 1:30 PM IST, which is 7:00 PM local time in Canberra. Toss happens 30 minutes prior.
International fans have options too. In Australia, it’s on Fox Sports and Kayo. US viewers tune into Willow TV, while UK fans watch on Sky Sports.
Key Players to Watch
Several stars could steal the show in this high-stakes opener.
- Suryakumar Yadav: India’s captain needs to lead from the front with his explosive batting, especially after recent form dips.
- Jasprit Bumrah: His return bolsters India’s attack; expect him to trouble Australia’s top order with yorkers and bouncers.
- Mitchell Marsh: As Aussie skipper, his all-round skills will be crucial in setting the tone.
- Travis Head: Known for big hits, he could exploit the powerplay against India’s seamers.
- Abhishek Sharma: The young opener faces a tough test but has shown promise in domestic leagues.
These players bring excitement and could decide the game’s outcome.
Full Series Schedule
The five-match series spans multiple venues, building up to the T20 World Cup prep.
It kicks off today and continues with games every few days, allowing recovery time.
Key dates include the second T20I on November 1 in Sydney, third on November 4 in Melbourne, fourth on November 7 in Adelaide, and fifth on November 10 in Perth.
Each match starts at similar times, adjusted for local conditions.
This schedule gives both teams chances to rotate players and test combinations.
Why This Series Matters
Beyond the rivalry, this series helps both nations fine-tune strategies for the 2026 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
India aims to maintain their number one ranking, while Australia wants to reclaim dominance after recent successes.
Recent events, like India’s Asia Cup win and Australia’s series victories, add context. The ODI loss motivates India, and Maxwell’s phased return tests Australia’s depth.
Fans should watch for emerging talents like Nitish Kumar Reddy, who could make an impact.
What do you think of the upcoming matches? Share your predictions in the comments and spread the word about this exciting series.
