India started the T20 series against Australia with an 11-run against the hosts. Winning the toss, Australia decided to bowl first and it was the first time that a team winning the toss, lost the game on this tour.
Batting first India posted a total of 162 runs in 20 overs with the help of a KL Rahul half-century and Ravindra Jadeja blockbuster with the bat. The Indian bowlers who were on the backfoot in the powerplay took over the game, inspired by the Yuzvendra Chahal who came in as a concussion sub for Jadeja, and T Natarajan who made his T20 debut.
India got off to a tricky start as they were lost the wicket of Shikhar Dhawan in the third over. Post that it looked like KL Rahul who was in good touch alongside in-form captain Kohli will make it big. It is then that the India captain was dismissed by Michell Swepson in a rather strange fashion.
Kohli's reaction to getting out is classic. Three poor deliveries by Swepson to start the over and then one that seemed to skid on. pic.twitter.com/qCRKVw7yTx
— Ashish Magotra (@clutchplay) December 4, 2020
Before the concussion, confusion, and controversy, Ravindra Jadeja played yet another spectacular innings at the death to take India to a more than respectable total at the Manuka Oval. Former India star Mohammed Kaif was quick to praise the India all-rounder for his performance and talk about his importance in the Indian team.
For two successive games Ravindra Jadeja showed why he is of so much value to India in white-ball cricket as he provides much needed balance. Even after 11 years he continues to be grossly underrated and deserves a lot more respect than he gets. Feel India will miss him dearly
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) December 4, 2020
It was after the India innings that things began to take a turn in what has been a rather friendly Australia-India tour so far. Ravindra Jadeja who was struggling with a hamstring was hit in the helmet in the final over but was able to finish off the innings. Before the Australia innings began, match referee David Boon informed the Australia coach Justin Langer and captain Aaron Finch that a doctor had examined Jadeja. He had declared that the player had a concussion and that India will bring in Yuzvendra Chahal as a substitute, who will be able to bowl. Words which neither Langer nor Twitter took lightly.
A late addition to this card? Langer v Boon in the main event? #ausvind pic.twitter.com/qpoFbKtAXt
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) December 4, 2020
Chahal went on to take three wickets that included Aaron Finch and Steve Smith and was also declared as the man of the match. Twitter superstar Wasim Jaffer provided an apt description of the event.
MoM: Ravindra Chahal 😉 #AusvInd
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) December 4, 2020
Keeping aside the debate, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan praised the wrist-spinner for his brilliant display.
Spin is an art and @yuzi_chahal is an artist… #AUSvsIND
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 4, 2020
It was a calamitous beginning for India in the field as they dropped two catches off two balls. One of them being captain Kohli dropping D’Arcy Short, which didn’t prove out to be much expensive for India. Former Australia chinaman, Brad Hogg took to Twitter to explain how it helped the hosts.
Strategic dropped catch from Kohli. Short 16 runs off 23 balls after that. #AusvInd #cricket
— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) December 4, 2020
Post that incident, India were at their imperious best in the fielding. One of the best moments being Sanju Samson’s catch of Steve Smith. Rightly pointed out by the former Australia captain, Lisa Sthalekar.
Flying @IamSanjuSamson, does it again!! In comes Maxi 😱 pic.twitter.com/Vi2gLhtvqW
— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) December 4, 2020
T Natarajan who made a fantastic ODI debut two days back was given his first T20 cap by Jasprit Bumrah, and he didn’t disappoint. The SRH sensation in IPL 2020 went on to take three important wickets and earned a lot of praise for his performance. One coming from a former India legend, Kris Shrikkanth.
What a debut for @Natarajan_91, Amazing bowling to pick up 3 and hope he keeps bowling those brilliant yorkers ! Another fine spell by @yuzi_chahal. Amazing win for India#AUSvIND #Natarajan
— Kris Srikkanth (@KrisSrikkanth) December 4, 2020