India made a subtle but interesting switch at the top in the second T20I at the MCG, with Shubman Gill taking first strike instead of Abhishek Sharma — who had faced the first ball in the washed-out opener in Canberra. The change sparked early intrigue, given Abhishek’s recent aggressive starts in T20s and Gill traditionally preferring to begin from the non-striker’s end.
However, the decision didn’t offer India the ideal start. Gill survived a dramatic opening over from Josh Hazlewood, where he was beaten multiple times and took a painful blow to the helmet trying to pull a steep rising delivery. The physio rushed in for a concussion assessment before Gill continued. Australia maintained tight lines, conceding just one run off the over as India began cautiously.
The switch also stood out because India have emphasised aggressive starts ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, and Abhishek Sharma’s recent form suggested he might again lead from the front. Gill weathering the opening over signals India’s preference for stability against the new ball — but it also invited early pressure with five dots and a scare.
With conditions offering bounce and movement early on, Australia won’t mind the tentative start from India. Attention will now be on whether Gill and Abhishek can shift gears after surviving the initial burst.
