Axar Patel and Jitesh Sharma Advocate for DRS in Australia vs India 4th T20I 2025
During the fourth T20I at the Carrara Oval in Gold Coast, Team India all-rounder Axar Patel and wicket-keeper Jitesh Sharma persuaded captain Suryakumar Yadav to request a Decision Review System (DRS) after Australia's opener Matt Short was caught in front early in the fifth over.
The on-field umpire initially ruled Short not out, but the review led to overturning this decision, giving India their first breakthrough in the match.
Match Context and Short's Performance
Matt Short, filling in for absent Travis Head at the top of the order, started well, helping Australia reach 35 without loss after four overs chasing a target of 168. He notably attacked Arshdeep Singh by hitting three boundaries in the third over while Mitchell Marsh struggled to gain momentum.
Spin Bowling Strategy and the Review
In an effort to apply pressure, Suryakumar Yadav introduced spin bowling from both ends. Axar Patel bowled economically, giving away only two runs in his first four balls.
When Short attempted a sweep shot but missed, Jitesh Sharma suggested the ball had hit in line with the stumps, a sentiment shared by Patel. They approached Yadav quickly, leading to the decision to take the review just before the allowed time expired.
Ball tracking confirmed three reds, resulting in a successful review in favor of India.
Summary
India's proactive use of DRS, driven by Axar Patel and Jitesh Sharma, secured a crucial early wicket during a competitive run chase against Australia.