Cricket lovers are once again witnessing an exciting time as fresh news from the cricket world surfaces. Everyone already knows that India and Australia will soon face off in both a One-Day International (ODI) series and a T20 series. But before those matches begin, some updates from Team India have started to make headlines.
According to recent reports, head coach Gautam Gambhir has decided to bench four players for the upcoming ODI series against Australia. These changes are expected to be part of his strategic planning to lead India to victory. Team India has already arrived in Australia to start its campaign.
Team India’s Tour Schedule in Australia
During this tour, India will play three ODIs followed by five T20 matches. The one-day matches will take place first, and once that series wraps up, the T20 games will begin. Indian fans are especially excited because star players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be part of the ODI series.
The playing conditions in Australia are often challenging, known for their pace and bounce, which means the team’s composition becomes crucial. Some players will travel with the squad but might not get a chance to play; they will act as reserves or carry drinks during the matches. Gautam Gambhir seems to have already finalized his strategy on which players to field.
Full Squad for the ODI Series
According to reports, a 15-member squad has been chosen for the ODI series. The team will be led by young and dynamic captain Shubman Gill. The full squad includes:
- Shubman Gill (captain)
- Rohit Sharma
- Shreyas Iyer
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Dhruv Jurel
- Washington Sundar
- Lokesh Rahul (wicket-keeper)
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Axar Patel
- Arshdeep Singh
- Harshit Rana
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Virat Kohli
- Mohammed Siraj
- Prasidh Krishna
Out of these fifteen players, four are expected to remain on the bench for the first ODI. Those four are Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. The decision to rest them is said to be around 95 percent confirmed, based on the selection committee’s and coaching staff’s discussions.
The Playing XI and Expected Strategy
The remaining eleven players are likely to feature in the playing XI. This lineup includes top-order stars Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli, forming a strong batting combination. Lokesh Rahul will be the wicketkeeper and is also expected to play a key middle-order role.
In the bowling department, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana are likely to lead the pace attack. Given Australian pitches are known for assisting fast bowlers, this trio’s inclusion makes perfect sense. Among the spinners, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav have secured their spots, which means Washington Sundar will have to sit out for now.
Nitish Kumar Reddy, an emerging all-rounder, will play an important balance role in the playing XI. Under Gautam Gambhir’s leadership and tactical control, India aims to maintain its consistency and start the series with a strong win.
Match Schedule and Venues
The first ODI is scheduled to be held in Perth on October 19, followed by the second match in Adelaide on October 23, and the third and final ODI in Sydney on October 25. After that, the T20 series will begin, but those details are yet to be officially released.
Fans’ Reactions and Expectations
Fans have already started sharing their opinions about the team selection. While many support Gambhir’s bold decisions, others believe the benched players, particularly young stars like Jaiswal and Jurel, should get at least one game to prove their potential.
Although these are still preliminary reports, they seem highly reliable. If Gautam Gambhir’s strategy works, Team India could dominate the Australian tour and boost its confidence ahead of upcoming international tournaments.
What do you think – should these four players be given a chance to play at least one match, or is it better to stick with the current eleven?