BCCI announces squads for ODI and T20I series against Australia: Shubman Gill appointed as the new captain of the ODI squad

Shubman Gill has been appointed as India’s new ODI captain, succeeding Rohit Sharma for the upcoming three-match series in Australia. This marks Gill’s debut stint as skipper of the ODI team, after previously leading the Test and T20I sides. The captaincy switch is part of India’s long-term planning ahead of the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup.

India's ODI squad for the Australia series

The BCCI has unveiled India’s squads for the upcoming limited-overs series in Australia, including the five-match T20I series that follows the ODIs. The T20I lineup mirrors the one from the recently concluded Asia Cup. Although Rohit Sharma has been replaced as captain, he and Virat Kohli have both been recalled to the ODI squad after a break since the Champions Trophy final in March. Shreyas Iyer has been appointed vice-captain, while Shubman Gill, aged 26, will lead the side. Gill, still new to leadership in the 50-over format, has captained just six List-A matches with a 5-1 record. After becoming India’s Test captain earlier this year, he guided the team to a 2-2 draw against England and recently registered an innings victory over the West Indies. So far, Gill has played 55 ODIs, scoring 2775 runs including eight centuries.

The 15-member ODI squad features a blend of youth and experience. KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Dhruv Jurel strengthen the batting department, while Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel provide balance as all-rounders. The pace attack will be led by Mohammed Siraj, supported by Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana. Kuldeep Yadav remains India’s key spin option with his left-arm wrist spin, ensuring variety and depth in the bowling unit.

Notably, Ravindra Jadeja has been left out of the ODI squad, while Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant continue their recovery from injuries. Jasprit Bumrah has been granted rest for this tour to manage his workload. The new-look lineup emphasizes India’s effort to test emerging talent and refine their combinations in preparation for future ICC tournaments.

India’s ODI squad for Australia series: Shubman Gill (capt), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (vice-capt), Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal.

India's T20I squad for the Australia series

India’s five-match T20I squad for the tour of Australia largely mirrors the one picked for the Asia Cup, with a couple of changes. Hardik Pandya, who missed the Asia Cup final after leaving the field in the Super Fours clash against Sri Lanka, has not been included and is replaced by Nitish Kumar Reddy. Washington Sundar also finds a place in the squad. Suryakumar Yadav will continue as captain, with Shubman Gill serving as vice-captain. Jasprit Bumrah returns for the T20Is after being rested from the ODI series.

“Sanju Samson bats at the top of the order, I think when he got a 100, I think he batted No. 3, if I am not wrong. Jurel usually bats lower down the order. KL bats there as well. You have seen how good a player Dhruv is. Again, you are looking at spots. I don’t think there is room at the top again. So, we are looking at guys who can fit in those spots. Obviously, Sanju at the moment in T20 cricket is batting there [middle order] and we are trying him there. But in one-day cricket, it’s a little bit different. So, that’s basically the thought. It’s more the position than anything else.” Agarkar said.

The only alterations from the Asia Cup-winning T20I squad are Pandya’s replacement by Reddy and the addition of Washington Sundar, taking the total to 16 players. Australia’s tour begins with three ODIs from October 19 to 25, followed by the five T20Is scheduled between October 29 and November 8.

India’s T20I squad for Australia series: Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill (vice-capt), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson (wk), Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar.