5 biggest talking points from India's ODI squad for Australia tour

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are back as the selection committee announces India’s ODI squad for Australia tour.

On Saturday, 4th October, the Indian selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming ODI series in Australia. The series will begin on October 19 (Sunday), with matches set to be played in Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney.

The squad saw the much-awaited return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who have been out of action for India since ICC Champions Trophy 2025 earlier this year. Having retired from T20Is and tests, they are only active in ODI cricket currently.

Apart from this, there were some bold decisions made by the Indian selection committee, which have become the talking points among everyone. Below we will highlight the five major moves from India’s ODI squad for the Australia tour.

5 biggest talking points from India’s ODI squad for Australia tour

1. Shubman Gill takes over as captain from Rohit Sharma

The biggest surprise was the captaincy change. Rohit Sharma, who led India to two ICC titles in the last two years, has been removed as ODI captain. Test captain Shubman Gill has replaced him and will be leading in the Australia ODIs. Gill recently became the test captain and T20I vice-captain, and now he is the one who will lead India forward in ODIs. It has irked some set of fans as this came as the bigger shocker for them.

2. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma return

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have already retired from T20Is and tests, and ODI cricket is the only format that they are active in. After India won the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year, this will be India’s first ODI assignment and both the senior pros are back in the squad. But, the question is for how long will they play for India. Although they have been incredible in ODIs, with the change in captaincy, the management has indicated that they are ready to look beyond the ODI superstars.

3. No Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja

Two seniors who have been ignored for Australia ODIs are Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja. Shami was expected to make his comeback in the team, but India went with young options. Jasprit Bumrah has been rested, and despite that, Shami has been sidelined.

Similarly, Jadeja, who has retired from T20Is, has not been picked. However, Agarkar said that Jadeja is still in the scheme of things for ODIs, but at the moment, Sundar and Axar have been given a nod ahead.

4. Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya ruled out

Senior Indian cricketers Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant also didn’t make the cut to India’s white-ball squads for the Australia tour as both of the stars are currently injured. While Rishabh Pant got injured during India’s test tour of England earlier this year, Pandya picked up an injury during Asia Cup 2025.

Although Pant is already under rehab, Pandya will report to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (COE) in a week to begin his rehab. Due to this, both of the players have been ruled out of the white-ball tour of Australia.

Moreover, Pandya has a sealed spot in India’s white-ball setup, which isn’t the case with Pant. It has to be seen how he returns to scheme of things in white-ball cricket for India.

5. Shreyas Iyer promoted as vice-captain

India have finally recognized Shreyas Iyer’s potential and given him the vice-captaincy in ODIs. He will be assisting Gill for ODIs. Iyer is currently leading India A against Australia A and has been the top batter for India in 50-over cricket in recent years. Iyer’s new role indicates how India are looking at him for the future leadership role.

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