The Indian selectors are preparing to unveil the squad for the upcoming ODI series against Australia, with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma set to make their much-awaited return. Both veterans, absent from India’s colours since the Champions Trophy 2025, last featured in the IPL and have now resumed training to prepare for the national duty.
Opening Dilemma: Jaiswal Likely to Partner Rohit
While Shubman Gill would have been the natural choice as Rohit’s opening partner, reports suggest he may be rested after a packed schedule and ahead of a crucial T20 World Cup at home next year. This opens the door for Yashasvi Jaiswal to step into the opener’s role.
Middle Order Reinforcements: Kohli and Iyer
Kohli is expected to slot in at No. 3, while Shreyas Iyer, in solid form after scoring a hundred against Australia A, looks set for the No. 4 role. With their inclusion, India’s top order appears balanced and experienced.
Wicketkeeping Options: Rahul and Samson
KL Rahul, given his consistency and current form, remains the first-choice wicketkeeper. Sanju Samson, with an impressive average of over 55 and a strike rate near 100, is tipped to edge out Dhruv Jurel for the backup slot.
All-Rounders: Pandya Unavailable, Reddy in Frame
Hardik Pandya’s fitness concerns are likely to keep him out, paving the way for Nitish Kumar Reddy to make the cut, provided he stays fit through the ongoing series. Shivam Dube is another option, though his bowling remains largely untested in Australia.
Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel are certain picks, both offering spin and depth in batting, which could mean Washington Sundar misses out.
Spin Attack: Kuldeep & Varun
Kuldeep Yadav remains India’s premier spinner, while Varun Chakravarthy, fresh from a stellar Champions Trophy campaign, is also in contention. However, with Australian pitches favouring pace, coach Gautam Gambhir’s preference for multi-dimensional players may affect Chakravarthy’s selection.
Pace Department: Siraj to Lead in Bumrah’s Absence
Jasprit Bumrah is likely to be rested due to workload management, leaving Mohammed Siraj to lead the pace attack. Young quicks Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna are also expected to feature, with Arshdeep Singh adding variety to the pace unit.
India’s Likely Squad for Australia ODIs 2025
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul
- Sanju Samson
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Axar Patel
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Arshdeep Singh
- Mohammed Siraj
- Harshit Rana
- Prasidh Krishna
This squad, a blend of experience and youth, looks primed to challenge Australia while also managing player workloads ahead of the 2025 T20 World Cup.
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