India ODI Squad Australia 2025: Shubman Gill Named New Captain As Virat Kohli Returns

Ansh

04/10/2025

India ODI Squad Australia Tour 2025 announcement with Shubman Gill as new captain replacing Rohit Sharma, featuring Indian cricket players

Last updated on Saturday, 04/10/2025 at 05:25 PM IST

The India ODI squad Australia 2025 was officially announced by BCCI on October 4, 2025, marking a significant leadership transition with Shubman Gill ODI captain appointment replacing Rohit Sharma. The squad features the highly anticipated return of Virat Kohli comeback 2025 alongside Rohit Sharma after a seven-month international hiatus following the Champions Trophy final in March.

Key Changes in India Cricket Team Leadership

The most notable India cricket team changes include Gill’s elevation to captaincy, making him India’s 28th ODI captain at just 25 years of age. Why BCCI Replaced Rohit Sharma With Shubman Gill As India’s ODI Captain – Explained centers around strategic planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup, with selectors opting for a younger leader to build the team’s future.

Shreyas Iyer’s journey from Mumbai cricket has culminated in his appointment as vice-captain under Gill’s leadership, showcasing BCCI’s confidence in the middle-order batsman’s leadership capabilities.

Complete India ODI Squad Breakdown

RolePlayers
CaptainShubman Gill
Vice-CaptainShreyas Iyer
Senior BatsmenRohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal
Wicket-KeepersKL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel
All-RoundersAxar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar
Spin BowlersKuldeep Yadav
Fast BowlersMohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s Strategic Return

The Rohit Sharma Australia tour participation alongside Kohli represents a calculated move toward ODI World Cup preparation for the 2027 tournament. Virat Kohli’s career achievements include being the highest active ODI run-scorer with 14,181 runs at an average of 57.88, while his fitness and discipline regime continues to set benchmarks for modern cricketers.

Both veterans had retired from Test cricket earlier in 2025 but expressed clear intentions to continue their ODI careers with the 2027 World Cup as their primary target.

Australia ODI Series Schedule and Format

The Australia ODI series schedule spans three matches across major Australian venues:

Match Schedule:

  • 1st ODI: October 19, 2025 – Perth Stadium (9:00 AM IST)
  • 2nd ODI: October 23, 2025 – Adelaide Oval (9:00 AM IST)
  • 3rd ODI: October 25, 2025 – Sydney Cricket Ground (9:00 AM IST)

The series will be followed by five T20 Internationals from October 29 to November 8, making it a comprehensive India vs Australia cricket 2025 tour.

Emerging Talent Integration

The BCCI squad announcement includes promising young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has impressed in recent domestic performances, and Dhruv Jurel, whose wicket-keeping skills offer valuable depth. Fast bowler Harshit Rana’s inclusion reflects India’s focus on developing pace bowling resources for Australian conditions.

All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy’s selection provides the team with additional batting depth and bowling options, crucial for the varied demands of ODI cricket in Australia.

Strategic Implications for Indian Cricket

This Indian cricket captaincy change signals BCCI’s long-term vision beyond the current generation of players. Gill’s leadership will be tested against a strong Australian side on their home turf, providing valuable experience for future international assignments.

The blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent creates an ideal environment for knowledge transfer while maintaining competitive standards expected in international cricket.

What This Means for India’s Cricket Future

The squad selection reflects India’s commitment to building toward the 2027 ODI World Cup while maintaining immediate competitiveness. Gill’s captaincy debut against Australia will provide crucial insights into his leadership capabilities under pressure.

With both Kohli and Rohit committed to ODI cricket until 2027, India possesses the perfect

FAQs

Q1: Why did BCCI replace Rohit Sharma with Shubman Gill as ODI captain?

A: BCCI made this change as part of their long-term planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup. At 25, Shubman Gill represents the future of Indian cricket leadership, and selectors wanted to give him adequate time to establish himself as captain. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar mentioned it’s practically impossible to have different captains across formats, and this decision also helps head coach Gautam Gambhir with consistency.

Q2: When will India play the ODI series against Australia in 2025?

A: The three-match ODI series will be played on October 19 (Perth Stadium), October 23 (Adelaide Oval), and October 25 (Sydney Cricket Ground). All matches start at 9:00 AM Indian Standard Time.

Q3: Is this Virat Kohli’s comeback after retirement from international cricket?

A: Virat Kohli retired only from Test and T20I cricket, not ODIs. This marks his return to international cricket after seven months since the Champions Trophy final in March 2025. Both Kohli and Rohit Sharma have expressed their intention to continue playing ODIs until the 2027 World Cup.

Q4: Who are the new faces in India’s ODI squad for Australia tour?

A: The key new inclusions are Dhruv Jurel (wicket-keeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy (all-rounder), and Harshit Rana (fast bowler). Yashasvi Jaiswal also returns to the ODI setup. These players represent India’s focus on developing young talent alongside experienced performers.

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