India vs Australia ODI: Probable Squad Revealed | Will Hardik Pandya Miss Out?

By Rohit - Oct 04, 2025 10:06 AM
Last updated on Oct 04, 2025 10:18 AM

As India prepares for the upcoming ODI series against Australia, the selectors are set to finalize the squad. With the Champions Trophy and other major tournaments around the corner, this series becomes a crucial testing ground for both senior players and youngsters. Workload management, injury concerns, and form will play a massive role in deciding the team combination.

Rohit Sharma – The Skipper

Rohit Sharma is expected to lead the side. His experience and consistency make him a natural choice. Having performed exceptionally well in the Champions Trophy, Rohit has already hinted at his desire to continue until at least 2027. His role at the top will be to provide stability and guide the younger batters.

Virat Kohli – The Run Machine

Virat Kohli, like Rohit, has shown that he still has plenty of fuel left in the tank. His performances in ICC tournaments remain unmatched, and selectors are keen to back him for long-term plans. Kohli’s presence will strengthen the top order and bring balance to the batting unit.

Shubman Gill – Workload Management Concern

Gill has been India’s all-format player in recent times, playing Tests, ODIs, and T20Is continuously. With heavy responsibilities, selectors may consider resting him for the ODI series. If rested, his replacements could be Yashasvi Jaiswal or Abhishek Sharma.

Yashasvi Jaiswal – Young Opening Option

If Gill is given a break, Jaiswal becomes the first-choice opener alongside Rohit. Known for his aggressive style, Jaiswal has the ability to put pressure on Australian pacers early in the innings.

KL Rahul – First-Choice Wicketkeeper

Rahul remains India’s first-choice wicketkeeper in ODIs. His ability to bat in the middle order and finish games adds great value to the squad. He provides balance with both his batting and keeping skills.

Sanju Samson – Backup Wicketkeeper

Sanju Samson has proven his worth in limited opportunities, including a century in South Africa. With Rishabh Pant still unlikely to be fit for the ODIs, Samson will get another chance as the backup wicketkeeper.

Shreyas Iyer – Middle-Order Stability

After injuries and inconsistent selection, Shreyas Iyer is set to make his comeback. He brings solidity at No. 4 or 5 and has shown he can handle both spin and pace.

Tilak Varma – Future Prospect

Tilak Varma impressed in T20s with his fearless batting. Selectors may include him in the ODI squad as part of long-term planning. His ability to play spin and contribute as a part-time bowler makes him a valuable prospect.

All-Rounders – The Key Debate

Ravindra Jadeja

Jadeja’s place is almost guaranteed. His all-around abilities make him undroppable in any format. He provides balance with both bat and ball, along with top-class fielding.

Axar Patel

Axar Patel has proven himself as a dependable spin all-rounder. His variations and lower-order batting make him a strong backup for Jadeja.

Nitish Reddy / Shivam Dube

With Hardik Pandya’s availability in doubt, selectors will look for alternatives. Nitish Reddy has shown promise with both bat and ball, while Shivam Dube’s explosive hitting and medium pace give him the edge as a replacement option.

Hardik Pandya – Why He Might Miss the Series

Hardik Pandya’s chances of playing in the Australia ODI series look slim. He has been struggling with injury issues and missed key matches recently. Selectors may not risk rushing him back, especially with the T20 World Cup and major ICC tournaments coming up. Instead, Hardik could be preserved for T20Is, where his finishing role and bowling in the middle overs are crucial.

Spin Attack – Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy

Kuldeep Yadav remains India’s No. 1 spinner across formats. However, considering his heavy workload, selectors might consider resting him for this ODI series. Varun Chakravarthy, with his mystery spin, could be an option in case Kuldeep is rotated.

Fast Bowling Unit

Jasprit Bumrah

Bumrah may be rested due to workload concerns. The tight schedule between Tests and ODIs makes it difficult for him to play all formats.

Mohammed Siraj

Siraj is expected to be part of the ODI squad. His ability to swing the new ball and bowl at the death makes him a crucial bowler.

Harshit Rana & Aadeep Singh

With Bumrah likely to be rested, Harshit Rana and Aadeep Singh could get opportunities. Both have been impressive in recent T20s and are seen as future pace options for India.

Prasidh Krishna

If fully fit, Prasidh Krishna will be another strong contender. His height and bounce make him effective against Australian batters.

India Probable Squad for Australia ODIs

• Rohit Sharma (C)
• Virat Kohli
• Yashasvi Jaiswal / Shubman Gill
• Shreyas Iyer
• KL Rahul (WK)
• Sanju Samson (WK)
• Tilak Varma
• Ravindra Jadeja
• Axar Patel
• Nitish Reddy / Shivam Dube
• Varun Chakravarthy / Kuldeep Yadav
• Mohammed Siraj
• Harshit Rana
• Aadeep Singh
• Prasidh Krishna

India Probable Playing XI vs Australia (ODI)

1. Rohit Sharma (C)
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal / Shubman Gill
3. Virat Kohli
4. Shreyas Iyer
5. KL Rahul (WK)
6. Sanju Samson
7. Ravindra Jadeja
8. Axar Patel
9. Mohammed Siraj
10. Harshit Rana
11. Aadeep Singh / Prasidh Krishna

Conclusion

This squad balances experience and youth while managing workload for key players like Bumrah, Gill, and Kuldeep. The absence of Hardik Pandya is a big talking point, but it also opens doors for new all-rounders to make their mark against Australia.

Also Read: Where to Watch IND A vs AUS A 2nd ODI Live Streaming from Green Park Kanpur

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