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Second T20I between Australia and India kicked off at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Following a washout in the opening match, both teams were eager to gain the upper hand in the five-match series. Australia, winning the toss, opted to field against India’s batting lineup, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest. However, the spotlight remained firmly on India’s vice-captain Shubman Gill, who once again disappointed the fans with a subpar performance in challenging Australian conditions.
Shubman Gill’s struggles continue in Australia
Gill, who had experienced a mixed ODI series against Australia, hoped to build momentum in the T20 format. Unfortunately, his efforts in the second T20I were far from satisfying. Gill managed only 5 runs off 10 balls before falling to Josh Hazlewood’s disciplined bowling early in the innings. This unimpressive performance added to growing frustration among Indian fans, many of whom criticized his inability to make a significant impact in crucial matches on Australian soil.
Despite his previous blazing 37 not out against Australia in the first T20I (which was curtailed by rain), Gill could not replicate that form at the MCG, raising questions about his consistency and temperament in pressure situations abroad. Australian bowlers, led by Hazlewood, exploited the conditions expertly, unsettling India’s top order repeatedly.
Also WATCH: Indian and Australian players pay heartfelt tribute to teenager Ben Austin during the AUS vs IND T20I at MCG
Here’s how fans reacted:
Choker shubman gill🤡
— Hamza Shams (@hamza__shams)
Shubman Gill didn't had any idea how to bat in front of Josh Hazlewood. Meanwhile, stats of Jaiswal vs Hazlewood:
Runs – 81,
Balls – 32,
Sr – 253Since 2024, Jais has 2nd most strike rate in the world after Abhi. Such a shame, he is not even in squad!!
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841)
Shubman Gill departs early, scoring just 5 runs off 10 balls.
— Jitendra Meghwal (@Jitendr_Meghwal)
Shubman Gill on tough pitches.
— Kusha Sharma (@Kushacritic)
shubman gill plays better pull-shot then rohit sharma sarr. 😭
— 𝐢 (@arrestshubman)
No flat pitch no party for Shubman Gill and Surya Kumar Yadav 🤣🤣
— Virat Kohli FC18 (@VKisGODofCric8)
Princess Shubman Gill getting exposed every day against Real opponents 🤣
— RAGNAR (@RAGNAR_RS45)
No flat pitch
No Zimbabwe
No free hit
No party for princess Shubman Gill— C (@83centurykab)
Shubman Gill belong to the kitchen
— ` (@KohliHood)
File an fir on hazlewood for harassing shubman gill 🙏🙏🙏
— Biscuit (@achiever958)
India’s wobbly batting against Australia in 2nd T20I
India’s innings started on shaky ground, losing early wickets and confronting a disciplined Australian bowling unit. After Gill’s early exit, Sanju Samson fell cheaply for 2, falling lbw to Nathan Ellis in the 3.3rd over. The Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav‘s experiment batting at No. 3 also backfired, dismissed for just 1 run in the 4.3rd over. Tilak Varma followed soon after for a duck, making the top order collapse evident as India slipped to 32 for 4 within just 5 overs.
However, a fighting 68 from Abhishek Sharma, striking at a blazing 183.78 with 8 fours and 2 sixes, and a gritty 35 from Harshit Rana stabilized the innings briefly. Despite those efforts, India could only muster 125 runs for all out in 18.4 overs, a below-par total in the Melbourne conditions. The Australian bowlers, led by Hazlewood (3/13), Xavier Bartlett (2/39), and Ellis (2/21), showcased excellent control and aggression, ensuring India struggled to build partnerships or accelerate freely.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Here’s why Australian and Indian players are wearing black armbands in the 2nd T20I
