India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav today said the return of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah will be crucial to Team India's campaign in the five-match series against Australia, beginning here tomorrow, particularly in handling the powerplay overs against a strong batting unit.

"As you saw in the Asia Cup, he took the responsibility of bowling two overs minimum in the powerplay. It is good that he is raising his hand. It is going to be a good challenge against the Aussie team in the powerplay," Suryakumar told reporters on the eve of the first T20I.

Praising Bumrah’s preparation and experience in Australian conditions, he added, "The way he has played his cricket for the last so many years, he has kept himself right on the top, and he knows how to prepare for a good series. Good to have him in the squad, when we play in Australia."

India are heading into the T20Is on the back of Test and ODI series losses earlier this month, but the captain insisted that the change in format and India’s recent record — 13 wins in their last 15 T20Is — offer a fresh opportunity.

"According to me, it's a different format," he said. "There is no need to change anything. There are always challenging conditions when you go to Australia, England, South Africa or New Zealand, but at the same time, how you adapt to it and how you think about how to play shots, how to make runs. We are playing five T20s, so I think it will be more fun."

On selection calls, Suryakumar acknowledged the competition for places but said the group is mature enough to prioritise team demands over individual performances.

"It is a good headache to have so many options," he noted. "Even if someone has done well in the last two matches, but he is not fitting in the combination for the next game – the player understands. We have reached that situation."

Referring to Rinku Singh's limited opportunity in the Asia Cup, Suryakumar said every squad member has been cautioned to remain prepared for an opportunity at any time.

The skipper also addressed concerns over his own form — having scored only 72 runs in the Asia Cup — stating that his focus remains on contributing in key situations.

"Runs, it will come eventually," he said. "Working hard towards the team goal is more important. I take one game at a time and if it starts then I think it will be a good thing."

Fielding, however, remains an area the captain wants the team to sharpen significantly after several dropped catches in recent months.

"Sometimes the batting and bowling go awry, but you can also win matches through fielding," he pointed out. "If someone drops a catch, it’s not a problem… but how much you want the ball to come to you, how much intent you show, that is important."

India and Australia will clash in the first T20I at the Manuka Oval tomorrow.