The Indian cricket team is set to tour Australia for a series of three ODIs and five T20Is.
While the recently-concluded home Test series against the West Indies grabbed headlines, the excitement among Indian fans is now shifting to the upcoming Australia tour. And it’s easy to see why—two of India’s biggest stars will be back in action in Indian colors following the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Since that tournament, Indian cricket has seen many changes, yet the enthusiasm for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma has only grown stronger. Both legends are expected to feature prominently in the ODI series against Australia, which kicks off on October 19.
Shubman Gill will step in as India’s full-time ODI captain, marking the start of a new chapter. With several selection dilemmas facing the team management, the stage is set for some interesting choices. Let’s take a look at the strongest possible XI India could field for the upcoming ODIs.
Predicted Indian Playing XI for ODI Series Against Australia
| No. | Player | Role/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shubman Gill (C) | Newly appointed ODI captain. Will open with Rohit Sharma. In good batting form and expected to start his captaincy debut with a win. |
| 2 | Rohit Sharma | Opening with Shubman Gill. First ODI after relinquishing captaincy. Experienced and proven opener, though needs consistent performance. |
| 3 | Virat Kohli | No. 3 batter. Back after 7 months. Experienced and expected to anchor the innings and score heavily. |
| 4 | Shreyas Iyer (VC) | Vice-captain, in red-hot form. Former India A captain with prior experience in Australia. Middle-order mainstay. |
| 5 | KL Rahul (WK) | No. 5 batter and wicket-keeper. Proven match-winner. Provides stability in middle order. |
| 6 | Nitish Kumar Reddy | All-rounder. Fast-bowling option replacing Hardik Pandya. Offers balance with both bat and ball. |
| 7 | Washington Sundar | Spin-bowling all-rounder. Handy lower-order batter. First-choice spin option with Jadeja absent. |
| 8 | Kuldeep Yadav | Wrist-spinner. Leading wicket-taker in Asia Cup 2025 and recent Test series. Key bowler in ODIs. |
| 9 | Mohammed Siraj | Lead pacer with Bumrah rested. Known for workhorse performances and consistent effort. |
| 10 | Arshdeep Singh | Fast bowler for new ball and death overs. Well-suited to Australian conditions with bounce. |
| 11 | Prasidh Krishna | Tall pacer (6’2”). Ideal for Australian conditions. Strong in middle overs; hit-the-deck bowler. |