India’s cricket team is gearing up for an exciting tour of Australia, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announcing the ODI and T20I squads on October 4, 2025. The squads mark the return of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to international cricket after their last appearance in the 2025 Champions Trophy final. However, Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for the ODI series to manage his workload, though he remains a key part of the T20I squad.

ODI Squad: Gill Takes the Helm, Rohit and Kohli Return

The ODI squad, led by Shubman Gill, who has replaced Rohit Sharma as captain, features a blend of experience and youth. Shreyas Iyer has been named vice-captain, signaling his growing leadership role. The selection panel, headed by Ajit Agarkar, met in Ahmedabad following India’s dominant innings victory over West Indies in the first Test.

The 15-member ODI squad sees five changes from the team that clinched the Champions Trophy in March 2025:

• Ravindra Jadeja and Varun Chakravarthy have been left out due to team balance and competition for spots.
• Hardik Pandya is sidelined, recovering from a quadriceps injury.
• Rishabh Pant is not yet fully recovered from a broken foot sustained in England.
• Jasprit Bumrah has been rested to ensure his long-term fitness.

Their replacements include Nitish Kumar Reddy, who missed the Champions Trophy due to injury, along with Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Dhruv Jurel, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Agarkar explained the decision to exclude Jadeja, noting that taking two left-arm spinners to Australia was impractical. Instead, Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav provide the spin options, with Axar Patel adding all-round depth.

“With regards to Jaddu, at the moment, taking two left-arm spinners to Australia is not possible. He’s clearly in the scheme of things with how good he is, but there’s competition for places,” Agarkar said. “It’s a short series, you can’t accommodate everyone, and unfortunately, he’s missing out.”

Agarkar hinted that Gill and Rohit are likely to open the batting, potentially leaving Jaiswal out of the starting XI. KL Rahul remains the first-choice wicketkeeper, with Dhruv Jurel preferred over Sanju Samson due to his ability to bat lower down the order.

India’s ODI Squad for Australia

• Shubman Gill (capt)
• Rohit Sharma
• Virat Kohli
• Shreyas Iyer (vice-capt)
• Axar Patel
• KL Rahul (wk)
• Nitish Kumar Reddy
• Washington Sundar
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Harshit Rana
• Mohammed Siraj
• Arshdeep Singh
• Prasidh Krishna
• Dhruv Jurel (wk)
• Yashasvi Jaiswal

T20I Squad: Suryakumar Leads, Bumrah Returns

The T20I squad, captained by Suryakumar Yadav with Gill as vice-captain, includes 16 players. The only change from the squad that won the Asia Cup last month is the inclusion of Nitish Kumar Reddy in place of the injured Hardik Pandya, with Washington Sundar added for balance. Jasprit Bumrah, rested for the ODIs, returns to lead the pace attack alongside Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana. The spin department is bolstered by Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Washington Sundar.

“When we can manage [Bumrah’s] workload, we will,” Agarkar said. “We’ll try to manage all the seamers to minimize the risk of injuries.”

India’s T20I Squad for Australia

• Suryakumar Yadav (capt)
• Abhishek Sharma
• Shubman Gill (vice-capt)
• Tilak Varma
• Nitish Kumar Reddy
• Shivam Dube
• Axar Patel
• Jitesh Sharma (wk)
• Varun Chakaravarthy
• Jasprit Bumrah
• Arshdeep Singh
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Harshit Rana
• Sanju Samson (wk)
• Rinku Singh
• Washington Sundar

Selection Insights: Balancing Form, Fitness, and Future

Agarkar emphasized workload management for key pacers like Bumrah and Siraj, who play across formats. The decision to rest Bumrah for the ODIs reflects a long-term strategy to preserve India’s premier fast bowler for critical matches, including the T20Is and upcoming Test commitments.

The inclusion of Jurel over Samson in the ODI squad was driven by batting position needs. “Sanju bats at the top of the order, while Jurel usually bats lower down,” Agarkar explained. “KL bats there as well. It’s more about the position than anything else.”

Rohit’s place in the ODI side, now under Gill’s captaincy, will depend on his form, as noted by former cricketer Aakash Chopra. With Gill inheriting a team built on the legacy of Rohit and Kohli, the series will be a test of how India transitions into a new era while leveraging its experienced stars.

Tour Schedule

India’s tour of Australia kicks off with three ODIs on October 19, 23, and 25, followed by five T20Is from October 29 to November 8. The series promises high-octane cricket, with India aiming to assert dominance Down Under.

What to Expect

The return of Kohli and Rohit adds firepower to India’s batting, while Gill’s leadership will be under scrutiny in his first major assignment as ODI captain. The absence of Bumrah in the ODIs opens opportunities for Siraj, Arshdeep, and Krishna to step up, while the T20I squad looks formidable with its mix of explosive batters and versatile bowlers.

As India prepares to face a formidable Australian side on their home turf, fans can expect a thrilling contest that blends experience, youth, and strategic planning. Stay tuned for updates as the tour unfolds!

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