Persistent rain forced the opening T20I between Australia and India to be abandoned on Wednesday.

Suryakumar Yadav was 39* and Shubman Gill 37*.

After being sent in on a chilly Canberra night, the visitors raced to 97-1 off 9.4 overs before being forced off for a second time by the weather with no more play possible.

India got off to a solid start with their newest T20 sensation Abhishek Sharma signalling his intent immediately, advancing down the wicket to Josh Hazlewood on his first ball.

He clobbered four boundaries in a quick-fire 19, but the gung-ho innings came to an end against Nathan Ellis, deceived by a slower ball and caught by Tim David at mid-off.

Captain Yadav slammed a giant six off Hazlewood before they were forced off by drizzle on 43-1 from five overs.

When they returned after 45 minutes and with the game reduced to 18 overs, the runs began flowing for Yadav and Gill as they upped the ante.

But the rain came back and they went off again having reached 97-1 and that proved the end of the match.

The second game is at a sold-out MCG on Friday.

Photo: Matt King/Getty Images