Team India is set for another blockbuster assignment as the India Tour of Australia 2025 begins on October 19. The series will feature three ODIs followed by five T20Is, ending on November 8. This is India’s first ODI series after their Champions Trophy triumph earlier this year, making it an important step toward building the side for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.
The biggest news for fans is the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two of India’s biggest stars. Both players had announced retirement from T20Is and Tests, and now appear only in the 50-over format. Their comeback adds experience and firepower to the squad, while also sparking debates about India’s leadership and future plans. The selection meeting on October 4 is expected to finalise the squad, with captaincy, injuries, and workload management at the centre of discussions.
India ODI Squad for India Tour of Australia 2025 Key Inclusions & Exclusions
The squad for the ODI series is likely to feature most of the Champions Trophy-winning players, along with some fresh faces.
- Rohit Sharma (Captain): Rohit remains the natural leader, though the selectors are expected to have discussions with him on long-term captaincy plans.
- Virat Kohli: Back in the ODI setup after a seven-month gap, he will be key in the middle order.
- Shubman Gill: India’s Test skipper, may be rested from ODIs due to continuous cricket.
- Sanju Samson: Likely to return as the backup wicketkeeper, edging ahead of Dhruv Jurel.
- KL Rahul: Continues as the first-choice glovesman.
- Shreyas Iyer & Yashasvi Jaiswal: Solid batting options with strong recent form.
- Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav: India’s reliable spin trio.
- Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana: Pacers likely to be rotated.
- Nitish Kumar Reddy / Shivam Dube: Could step in for Hardik Pandya.
Ruled Out
- Hardik Pandya (quadriceps injury)
- Rishabh Pant (foot fracture)
Workload Management
- Jasprit Bumrah may skip the ODIs to focus on the South Africa Tests.
- Gill could be rested to prevent burnout.
Complete India vs Australia 2025 Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 19 | 1st ODI – AUS vs IND | Perth Stadium, Perth | 9:00 AM |
| Oct 23 | 2nd ODI – AUS vs IND | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide | 9:00 AM |
| Oct 25 | 3rd ODI – AUS vs IND | SCG, Sydney | 9:00 AM |
| Oct 29 | 1st T20I – AUS vs IND | Manuka Oval, Canberra | 1:45 PM |
| Oct 31 | 2nd T20I – AUS vs IND | MCG, Melbourne | 1:45 PM |
| Nov 2 | 3rd T20I – AUS vs IND | Bellerive Oval, Hobart | 1:45 PM |
| Nov 6 | 4th T20I – AUS vs IND | Bill Pippen Oval, Gold Coast | 1:45 PM |
| Nov 8 | 5th T20I – AUS vs IND | The Gabba, Brisbane | 1:45 PM |
Rohit Sharma Captaincy
Rohit has guided India to multiple ICC trophies in recent years, making him one of the most successful Indian captains in white-ball cricket. Although there are talks of grooming Shubman Gill for leadership, the BCCI is unlikely to rush into any changes. The selectors will consult Rohit directly before making a long-term call, but for now, he continues as India’s ODI captain.
Kohli & Rohit Return as ODI Specialists
With both players stepping away from Tests and T20Is, the ODI format is now their only international stage. Kohli’s recent hundred against Pakistan and Rohit’s knock against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final prove they still have plenty to offer. Their presence also stabilises the team in a format where India is looking to prepare for the 2027 World Cup.
Injuries Force Changes
India will miss the services of Hardik Pandya, who is still recovering from a muscle injury, and Rishabh Pant, who has not yet fully recovered from his foot fracture. This opens the door for youngsters like Nitish Kumar Reddy and keeps the spotlight on Sanju Samson, who could finally cement his place as the backup keeper.
The India Tour of Australia 2025 is more than just another bilateral series. It marks the return of India’s two legends — Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli — and could set the tone for the next ODI cycle. While injuries and player management remain challenges, this tour will also showcase how India balances senior experience with the hunger of young stars like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhishek Sharma, and Harshit Rana.
With matches spread across iconic venues like the MCG, SCG, and The Gabba, the tour promises high-voltage cricket and will give fans a glimpse of what India’s roadmap looks like heading into the 2027 ODI World Cup. For Indian cricket fans, October-November 2025 is set to deliver a thrilling festival of cricket Down Under.
