NEW DELHI: Australia captain Mitchell Marsh knows an ultra aggressive batting approach will not always succeed, but he believes sticking to it is vital for success at next year’s T20 World Cup, to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Australia will face India in a five match T20I series starting Wednesday as part of their World Cup build up. The Aussies, champions in 2021, fell short in the Super 12 and Super 8 stages in the 2022 and 2024 editions, while India lifted the title last year.

5 key players to watch in the India–Australia T20I series

"We had two World Cups where we did not quite go all the way. We spoke about challenging ourselves as a team to play the kind of cricket that can win us the World Cup," Marsh said in Canberra on Tuesday.

"As a batting unit, we have played a lot more aggressively. That has been the nature of T20 cricket across the world in recent years. We are not going to get it right every time, we will fail, but we are clear about how we want to go about it. That gives us the best chance for success."

A big series against a fantastic India side

Marsh praised India as a strong opponent and said the five match series would be an exciting contest for fans.

"Look, they are a fantastic team, one we have great respect for. Five match series are always exciting, two really good sides going at it. So, looking forward to the challenge," he said.

The Australian skipper avoided commenting on India’s World Cup plans but sounded confident about his own team’s preparation.

"We have got eight games to go before the World Cup and we are building nicely. Everyone is clear on roles and confident about the direction we are heading in," Marsh added.

Familiarity does not make it easier

While several Australian players, including Marsh, are regulars in the IPL, he believes it does not make facing India any easier.

"There is so much footage and analysis these days, everyone studies everyone. Ultimately, it is all about execution under pressure. That is what it comes down to," Marsh said.

Abhishek is an incredible talent

The skipper was full of praise for Abhishek Sharma, who starred in India’s Asia Cup 2025 triumph, scoring 314 runs at an average of 44.85 and a strike rate of 200.

"He sets the tone for them. He has been incredible for the Sunrisers recently and will provide a great challenge. You want to test yourself against the best, and he is certainly one of them," Marsh said.

Marsh himself has been in fine touch, with two centuries and two half centuries in his last 10 T20 innings.

"I just focus on contributing to Australia’s wins. I am not thinking as a captain when I am batting, just trying to build good partnerships, especially with Heady (Travis Head)," he noted.

Australia’s T20I squad will see several changes through the series due to workload management and domestic commitments.

Leg spinner Adam Zampa will miss the start of the series following the birth of his second child, while Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott will leave after the first two and third matches respectively.

"We do have guys coming in and out, that has been the nature of white ball cricket lately," Marsh said.

"Some will go back for shield cricket, others return from injuries. It is about flexibility and clarity, everyone knows their role and is ready to step up when needed."

(With PTI Inputs)