AUS vs IND 2025: Powerplay crucial in T20Is, Bumrah is an asset in that period: Suryakumar Yadav

Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav emphasised the importance of the powerplay overs ahead of the upcoming five-match T20I series against Australia, starting on Wednesday, October 29. He noted that the presence of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah would significantly enhance India’s chances during that crucial phase of the game.

Suryakumar highlighted that having Bumrah in the lineup is always a major advantage, particularly against Australia’s aggressive brand of cricket. The right-arm pacer, who was rested for the recently concluded three-match ODI series, is expected to play a key role in the T20Is.

“Yes, it is always a challenge, we have seen how they (Australia) played in the ODI series and also in the T20 World Cup. Power play is always important,” Suryakumar said in the pre-series press conference.

“You saw in the Asia Cup, he (Bumrah) took the responsibility of bowling two overs minimum in the power play, so it is good that he is raising his hand, acting as if he is that guy who will take charge. It is definitely going to be a good challenge against the Aussie team in the power play,” he added.

Bumrah is the most experienced player in the Indian T20I squad when it comes to playing in Australian conditions, and Suryakumar stated that his strike bowler knows exactly how to prepare for a strong series.

Suryakumar also provided an update on Nitish Kumar Reddy, who had missed the third and final ODI due to a quadriceps injury. He mentioned that the young all-rounder is recovering well and could be available for selection in the upcoming T20I series.

“The way he (Bumrah) has played his cricket for the last so many years, he has kept himself right on the top, and he knows how to prepare for a good series, he knows how to come and play cricket here. I think he has visited this country the most out of all the guys, so all of the players have spoken to him, he is very open and very helpful in that. Definitely when he takes the field it will be a good thing, good to have him in the squad, when we play in Australia,” said Suryakumar.

“I think he is doing fine. Yesterday he did some running, batting also in the nets. Today he wanted to take a break as it was an optional practice but we came to the ground because we had a team meeting and he wanted to stay with the group because T20 is a new team, all the guys have come in, so he looks good,” he added.