Overview
- Arshdeep Singh was left out of India's XI for the first two T20Is in Australia, with Harshit Rana preferred by the Gambhir–Suryakumar management.
- India were bowled out for 125 at the MCG and lost by four wickets as Australia chased the target in 13.2 overs.
- Varun Aaron criticised the call, arguing India needed early wickets and describing Arshdeep as the country's best death bowler after Jasprit Bumrah.
- Ravichandran Ashwin also questioned the selection, saying Arshdeep should be the first-choice quick after Bumrah given his record and recent form.
- Rana contributed 35 with the bat but went wicketless for 27 runs in two overs, and observers suggested bench-testing could explain the choice as calls grow for Arshdeep's return before the Hobart third T20I.