By Sports Desk | Newstic | October 4, 2025
India’s selectors have announced the T20I squad for the upcoming Australia tour, and there’s a major update — Hardik Pandya will not travel due to an ankle injury. The star all-rounder is still recovering and will continue rehab at the National Cricket Academy.
Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah — India’s pace spearhead — stays in the squad despite a busy schedule. The team is largely similar to the one that played the Asia Cup, with a couple of fresh names to cover Hardik’s absence.
Big Talking Points
- Hardik Pandya injured: He’s unavailable for the whole tour.
- Nitish Kumar Reddy gets call-up: A young all-rounder who impressed in domestic cricket.
- Washington Sundar returns: Adds balance with spin and lower-order batting.
- Jasprit Bumrah retained: Will lead the pace attack, with workload managed carefully.
- Suryakumar Yadav stays captain: Shubman Gill named vice-captain.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar said, “Hardik won’t be fit for Australia. This series will test our bench strength and give young players a chance.”
Full India T20I Squad vs Australia
Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill (VC), 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
India and Australia will play five T20Is, starting later this month. These matches will help India fine-tune its young squad before the next T20 World Cup.
Why This Tour Matters
- Testing Young Players: Without Hardik, India will see how newcomers handle pressure.
- Leadership Transition: Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill will guide the team in big overseas conditions.
- Fitness & Rotation: Bumrah’s performance and management will be closely watched.
- Spin vs Pace Balance: Australia’s pitches test bowlers; selectors are looking at options.
What Fans Can Expect
- Aggressive Batting: Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill may open with intent.
- Spin Challenge: Kuldeep and Washington could be key in the middle overs.
- Death Bowling Test: Bumrah and Arshdeep will need to handle Australia’s power hitters.
Conclusion
India’s T20I squad for the Australia tour signals a careful balance between fresh energy and proven experience. The selectors have trusted Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership and Shubman Gill’s growing influence, while keeping a close eye on fitness with Jasprit Bumrah staying in but Hardik Pandya sitting out.
This series will not just test India’s bench strength; it will show how the team adapts when a key all-rounder is missing. For fans, it’s a chance to watch young names like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Abhishek Sharma prove themselves on one of cricket’s toughest stages.
If India’s new generation performs well, it could mark the start of a strong build-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup at home — making this tour far more important than just another bilateral contest.
