After a long break from One Day Internationals, Team India is set to return to 50-over action with a highly anticipated three-match ODI series against Australia, starting October 19 in Perth. This will be India’s first ODI assignment since lifting the 2025 Champions Trophy in Dubai earlier this year, and all eyes will be on the comeback of seasoned legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Kohli and Rohit Return, But the Future Is Under the Scanner
For the first time since the Champions Trophy triumph, Kohli and Rohit will don the Indian jersey, but the narrative around them is already shifting. Both stalwarts have retired from T20Is and Test cricket, leaving ODIs as their final active international format. With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon — to be hosted jointly by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia — questions remain about their long-term roles.
By the time that World Cup arrives, Kohli will be 39, and Rohit 40, making this series in Australia more than just a return—it’s a test of relevance and endurance. Interestingly, the team management has already made a symbolic change: Shubman Gill has been named the ODI captain, replacing Rohit. This move hints at a gradual transition, with Gill potentially being groomed as the long-term leader.
Rohit will still play an important on-field role, expected to open alongside Gill, while Kohli will bat at his familiar No.3 position. With their experience and match-winning abilities, they remain vital, but the message is clear: the focus is now shifting to the future.
Team India’s Probable Playing XI for 1st ODI vs Australia
India’s squad for this tour balances experience with emerging talent, guided by head coach Gautam Gambhir, who places a strong emphasis on batting depth. The middle order looks solid, with Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul expected at No.4 and No.5, respectively. Axar Patel could be promoted in between them to bring a left-handed variation and replicate his Champions Trophy role of disrupting the right-handed batting flow.
With Ravindra Jadeja dropped and Hardik Pandya injured, India is set to try newer all-round options. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar are likely to be slotted in to provide balance with both bat and ball.
The bowling attack will see some rotation, especially with Jasprit Bumrah rested. Expect Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh to lead the pace department, while Kuldeep Yadav will take charge of spin duties. Backup players like Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Dhruv Jurel, and Yashasvi Jaiswal are expected to start on the bench in the first ODI.
India’s Probable XI for 1st ODI:
- Shubman Gill (capt)
- Rohit Sharma
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer (vc)
- Axar Patel
- KL Rahul (wk)
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Washington Sundar
- Arshdeep Singh
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Siraj
With matches scheduled in Perth (Oct 19), Adelaide (Oct 23), and Sydney (Oct 25), this ODI series serves as the launchpad for India’s long-term planning towards the 2027 World Cup.
How Kohli and Rohit perform — not just as players but also as mentors — could go a long way in determining how the team balances legacy with transition over the next two years.
