Team India is set to face Australia in the first ODI of the three-match series at Perth on October 19, marking the much-anticipated return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the national setup after nearly nine months.
With both senior players now focusing exclusively on ODIs, Shubman Gill has been appointed India’s ODI captain following his recent Test debut. The management has almost finalized the playing XI for the opener, which blends experience with emerging talent.
Top Order:
India’s top order looks formidable with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill expected to open the innings, providing a strong and steady start. Yashasvi Jaiswal is likely to miss out on the first match, while Virat Kohli will slot in at No. 3 — a position where he has dominated world cricket for over a decade.
Kohli, who is just 54 runs away from surpassing Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history, will be looking to make a statement return on Australia’s bouncy pitches.
Middle Order:
At No. 4, Shreyas Iyer brings consistency and control, followed by KL Rahul, who is likely to take charge as the wicketkeeper-batter at No. 5. This could mean Dhruv Jurel will sit out.
Nitish Kumar Reddy is expected to feature at No. 6 — a dynamic middle-order option capable of finishing innings strongly or anchoring the chase if early wickets fall.
Spin Department:
India’s spin attack is likely to feature Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, with Axar adding balance through his all-round abilities. Kuldeep, who recently bagged 8 wickets against West Indies, remains India’s premier spin weapon. As a result, Washington Sundar may miss the cut for the first game.
Pace Attack:
The pace trio of Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, and Prasidh Krishna is expected to lead India’s attack. Siraj, known for his sharp movement and aggression, will be key on Perth’s fast track. Harshit Rana is likely to be benched for this fixture.
India’s Probable XI for 1st ODI:
- Rohit Sharma
- Shubman Gill (captain)
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain)
- KL Rahul (wicketkeeper)
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Axar Patel
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Siraj
- Arshdeep Singh
- Prasidh Krishna
Squads at a Glance:
India:
Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), KL Rahul (wk), Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal
Australia:
Mitchell Marsh (captain), Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Alex Carey, Josh Philippe, Xavier Bartlett, Matthew Short, Matt Renshaw, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cooper Connolly, Matthew Kunneman, Mitchell Owen
