Canberra, October 28 (Udaipur Kiran): Ahead of India’s five-match T20 series against Australia starting Wednesday, skipper Suryakumar Yadav addressed several key topics — including Shreyas Iyer’s recovery, the team’s energetic environment, and fielding improvements — while also expressing confidence in all-rounders Shivam Dube and Jasprit Bumrah.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Suryakumar began by updating on Shreyas Iyer’s injury, sustained during the third ODI in Sydney while taking a diving catch of Alex Carey. “We contacted him on the first day itself. He’s now talking and responding to messages. The doctors and BCCI are taking good care of him. He’s a quality player and will return soon,” said the Indian captain.
On Nitish Kumar Reddy’s fitness, Suryakumar confirmed that the young batter is “completely fine and actively batting and running in the nets.”
Discussing the team’s spirit, Suryakumar said, “The current environment in the Indian team is very energetic. Fielding is the one department where all 11 players stay involved together. Even if batting or bowling doesn’t go perfectly, matches can still be won through great fielding. We want every player to expect the ball to come to them.”
India’s fielding came under scrutiny during the Asia Cup, where several catches were dropped despite the team lifting the title. Suryakumar said the team has made it a top priority ahead of the Australia series. “Dropping catches is part of the game, but what matters is how you respond after that. Today’s session was optional, yet everyone showed up for fielding — that shows how focused this group is,” he added.
Speaking about his own form, the skipper said, “The runs may not have come yet, but I’m in a good space mentally. I’m working hard and the practice sessions are going well. When the series begins, the results will follow.”
Suryakumar praised Shivam Dube for his adaptability and bowling improvement. “He understands Australian conditions well and keeps working on his bowling. In the Asia Cup final, I gave him two overs because I trust his skills. When preparation is strong and there’s no self-doubt, performance naturally follows,” he said.
On Jasprit Bumrah, the captain lauded his vast experience in Australian conditions. “Bumrah knows these pitches very well. He has always kept himself at the top level, and the entire team learns a lot from him. Having him in the side is a huge advantage,” he said.
Bumrah, who has taken 78 wickets in 22 matches in Australia — including 64 wickets in 12 Tests — will feature only in the T20 series, having been rested for the ODIs.
With new leadership under Suryakumar Yadav, India aims not only to secure victory against Australia but also to set a new benchmark in fielding intensity and team confidence in the series ahead.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
